Converse Hosts 2024 Blessing of the Animals
Converse University’s Office of Spiritual Life hosted its annual Blessing of the Animals on October 17, 2024, on the Montgomery patio. This is the third year this beloved event has been held.
The annual Blessing of the Animals event is a special occasion for formally celebrating and blessing pets. The event is typically held around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Spearheaded by the Office of Spiritual Life, Converse community members were invited to submit photos of their pets, which were displayed in Montgomery Student Center. Students, faculty and staff brought their pets to campus the day of the event for a blessing from the University Chaplain Eliza Smith DeBevoise.
Pet parents brought their furry family members on leashes or in cages to campus to receive a blessing from Reverend Smith DeBevoise. All pets are welcome at this event, from dogs and cats to birds, and even reptiles.
Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services Rebecca Parrish said she looks forward to the Blessing of the Animals every year. “I am so thankful for space and time to celebrate the animals that enrich our lives,” she said. “My dog, Alley, enjoys meeting students and other pets. It’s truly a time for fellowship and belonging.”
Director of Counseling and Wellness Bethany Garr helped the Office of Spiritual Life create pet bandanas with the Spiritual Life logo for guests.
Director of Advancement Services and cat mom Anna French made her popular dog-friendly treats for this year’s event. French, an avid baker, makes these salt and sugar-free dog treats for family and friends.
Amaia Parkins ’25, a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Spiritual Life, offered her time coordinating behind the scenes for this event. Amaia is dedicated to this opportunity for people to express gratitude for their pets and recognize the joy and companionship they bring into our lives.
“”Blessing of the Animals is always a fun event that I loved during my undergraduate time here at Converse.””
Amaia Parkins ’25
“Blessing of the Animals is always a fun event that I loved during my undergraduate time here at Converse,” Amaia said. “Now that I am the Spiritual Life Office Graduate Assistant, I learned more about all the hard work across campus that came together to put on the wonderful event. It is all worth it to see such smiling faces and beautiful dogs!”
Even individuals who didn’t have pets participated in this heartwarming opportunity. This gathering is not solely to celebrate pets; it often fosters a sense of community. It’s an opportunity for the Converse community to come together to share stories about their pets and enjoy the company of fellow animal lovers.
It also provides opportunities to promote animal welfare. This year’s event included a donation station where people could help make toys to be donated to our local animal shelter for dogs and cats. This was a compassionate way to support local animal shelters or charities, encouraging attendees to contribute to the well-being of animals in need.
Reverend Smith DeBevoise said, “Blessing of the Animals is one of the most fun parts of my job each year. It is one of my favorite events because it brings students, faculty and staff together in a way that cultivates pure joy and excitement. Getting to express gratitude for the animals in our lives that bring us comfort and laughter is a gift, and inviting students with animals that live far away to submit virtual photos allows maximum participation. As a chaplain, I also find it extremely special to offer blessings for pets who have passed away recently as we remember them and give thanks for their lives and their legacy in our families.”