Bless the Animals

When Brian Robert Taberski, associate director for University Liturgy, Worship and Faith Formation, was considering how Seattle University could celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chapel of St. Ignatius, one thing became clear—the celebration had to include ALL members of the community.

And that includes our non-human members.

“I charge someone to walk this campus and not pass someone walking their dog!” Taberski says. “So many members of our community and the neighborhood love their pets. Dogs and cats are first to come to mind but I know community members who have tarantulas, stick bugs, ferrets, rabbits, bearded dragons, geckos and fish. We love our animals at Seattle University!”

And that’s why people and their pets gathered at the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Reflection Pool on October 2 for SU’s first Blessing of the Animals. The event coincided with the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, held on October 4.

Taberski himself brought the oldest of his five animals, Augie, a Brittany spaniel/poodle mix.

“Augie is our family representative bringing blessings to the rest of the menagerie at home.”