For release: 25th September 2009
SPCA Anticipates A Church Full Of Animals

Creatures Great And Small Invited To Annual Blessing Service

The stately precincts of the Church of St Matthew-In-The- City will echo once more with woofs, meows and a variety of other sounds, as creatures great and small come together for SPCA Auckland’s annual Blessing of the Animals service.

Scheduled for Sunday 4th October, the ceremony, which honours the legacy of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and friend of all living things, is an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the love, loyalty and joy that animals bring to our lives and homes.

A key moment in the service will be the lighting of a Candle of Remembrance, commemorating all animals that have died in the past year and, especially, those killed through cruelty and violence. This year, the candle is to be lit by the world-renowned American author and ethologist, Marc Bekoff, who has written extensively about the role played by justice and fairness in animal behaviour.

“Marc is a highly respected advocate for animals and we’re delighted that he will be in Auckland and available to light the Candle of Remembrance this year. We anticipate that he will use the occasion to reflect on some of the atrocities committed against animals across the globe, whilst also pointing to some of the good things that are happening to animals,” says SPCA Auckland’s Executive Director, Bob Kerridge

Another highlight of the service will be the participation of the One Voice Choir (NZ) an ‘Acapella’ ensemble drawn from across the Auckland region and which sings a wide range of World Music, under the inspirational leadership of its Musical Director, Olga Tarasenko.

In previous years, the service has drawn not just large numbers of dogs and cats but gerbils, hamsters, ducks, chickens, donkeys, goats, ponies and members of more exotic species. A comparable range of animals expected this year.

At the end of the ceremonies, all the animals present will be blessed as they leave the church. The SPCA says that dogs and larger animals attending the service should be kept on leads and other smaller animals should be suitably contained in safe caging. Humans attending the service are asked to bring a plastic bag or popper scooper with them.

“The Blessing of the Animals service is a truly joyful occasion and it’s easy to understand the reason why. Not only does it involve celebrating and sharing the day with all our wonderful furry, feathered and hairy friends. It’s also the occasion for a great day out for the whole family and a chance to spend time with other animal-lovers. In fact, it’s hard to think of a nicer way to spend a Sunday,” says Bob Kerridge.

“It’s also a privilege to be able hold the service in the magnificent surroundings of St Matthews, with the participation of the Curate and Deacon. St Matthews is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful churches and also has some of the best acoustics going, which certainly adds to the enjoyment of the occasion,” he says.

The Blessing of the Animals service commences at 1.00 pm and is preceded by the ‘Great Animal Walk’, along Queen Street and up Wellesley Street to St Matthews, with lively, celebratory music provided by The Society Jazzmen. Those wishing to participate in the march are requested to assemble in Queen Elizabeth Square at 12.00 noon for a 12.15 pm start.

ENDS

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