Yesterday (082606) at 4:40 PM, Precious' ashes were blessed by Father Joseph Breen at St Edward's parish. Father Breen did the whole ceremony (same as human blessing) with the sprinkling of holy water, prayers and consecration. He also blessed both St Francis medals that I wear every day (mine and Precious'). He gave a "survivor's blessing" to me as well and it felt like a huge weight had been removed from my soul.
Knowing Precious has been blessed can help me get on with living my own life, though it can be a little bleak at times...it's getting better. Time does heal but sometimes you find yourself flashing back to times you shared with your pet, and it's bittersweet, but those memories are so precious and cherished.
I lit candles for all of you who recently lost a loved one and prayed a long time for them.
Lisa

what a precious memory that is to have your beloved's ashes blessed.

It must give you incredible piece of mind knowing this.

Thank you for the lit candles. that was really kind of you. Me and my Jackson thank you.

Thank you very much for the candles you lit. You are very kind and my Betsy as well as all the other animals here really appreciate it. Thanks again.

Thank you for lighting the candles. It helps to know others undertstand.
I got my starry's ashes back today but will keep them and have no one to bless them, but that's ok. I am glad I have them.
I am happy you feel you have some weight lifted off you and hope you are getting along.

Lisa,

Thank you for lighting the candles. I very much appreciate it. I think having the ashes blessed was a wonderful idea. Could you tell me how you went about doing that?

Dugan's Mom
Krissyo

I just asked the right priest! My home parish priest told me animals didn't have souls and that he would not bless Precious' ashes. HA! (I do not trust the younger priests!) Father Breen is 60-something and very understanding. He did the whole rite (about 10 minutes) and I made a nice donation to the church in Precious' name. That parish is my new parish too!
When St Francis' feast day comes (04 October), I'm getting him blessed again!!
Lisa

Lisa,

Thank you so much for the information. They called from the vet's office today to tell me that Dugan's ashes were ready to be picked up. I called my husband and asked him to pick them up on his way home from work as I am sure EVERYONE would like a break from watching me cry.

Anyway, I thought I would start calling churches as I know there is one church in our area that does an Animal Blessing once a year. How I wish I had done that before. Anyway, I just took a chance and called the place where the cremation was done, on the outside chance they may know of someone. I was so happy to hear that she did know of someone and would have him call me.

Thank you so very much for sharing your story of the Blessing of Precious's Ashes. I can't begin to tell you what a comfort that is.

Dugan's Mom
Krissyo

Krissy,
I am SO glad to hear that!!! It will be such a good thing for you right now. I blubbed all through the ceremony ( a lot of my friends were telling me that was God's sign of happiness) and Father Breen took out his handkerchief and wiped my face! He told me about his father dying of terminal cancer and how he bought him a yellow canary, who was his constant companion until he died. Three days after Father Breen's father died, so did the bird, probably of a broken heart because of the bond he and his father shared. That story made me cry even more!
I picked up Precious' ashes on the 14th of this month at my vet's office. I was struck by how small the urn was (4 1/2x6 1/2") and wondered how a 14 pound cat could fit in there and I started laughing. I even made a joke at how Precious made an ash out of himself this time. It broke the tension but I couldn't help holding it and just knowing he was in there, but in another form.
I do hold it every day and pick it up when I get home from work and hug it, just as I did Precious in life. Somehow, it gives me peace after a rough day at work (and it has been just that lately!). I hope your coworkers understand what you're going through. Mine have been very understanding, even when they walk past my office and see my wiping tears away for the ump****th time. One of the girls had to have her nine-year-old Yorkie euthanised and she was worse off than me. She took several days off where I took none (if he had died on a weekday I would have gladly).
Please go to your library and check out some books about pet loss. One, &en Soup For The Pet Lover's Soul, is excellent. I'm on my fifth book so far and they have opened doors for me. They are cheaper than seeking therapy and you learn so much from them. Most are written by vets so they know too.
Please let all of us know when the service is -- know I will be with you in spirit!!!
Lisa

Lisa,
St. Edward's is indeed fortunate to have Fr.Breen as their priest. I think it was a wonderful thing having Precious' ashes blessed. After all, God made the animals same as us. In fact He made them first. It is comforting that Blessed St.Francis is watching over our beloved friends until we are reunited with them.
Blessings to you,
Steve

Thank you, Steve! Precious is a very lucky boy to have been blessed. And he will be again soon. I think our parish is doing it next Saturday, though I wish it would be on the actual feast day, but that's okay!
Lisa