Animal Blessing Reflects Native American Spirituality at St. Joseph’s

Staff, students and animals in the school’s programs came together at the center of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus on October 4, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. The traditional Catholic blessing harmonizes with the Lakota teaching Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ, a prayer of oneness with all creation.

The chilly morning did little to cool the joy brought by the annual celebration. A canopy of cottonwood branches arched cathedral-like above, while at the center of the Wisdom Circle, Chaplin Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ, led the prayer and blessed the animals.

dogs build companionship

Five dogs from the Houseparents and Pets in (HAPI) Homes program, were on hand. Dakota, owned by houseparents Melissa and Aaron Wisenbaugh, stood tail-wagging on her hind feet to receive her blessing. Talking about Dakota before the service started, Melissa commented, “He gently gravitates toward students when they seem to be feeling down. I ask, ‘Tough day?’ and it is invariably true that Dakota has found someone in need of comforting.”

The šúŋka — dog — has long played an essential role in Native American society and culture. Before the arrival of horses to the Great Plains, Native Americans relied heavily on dogs for a variety of tasks. Although the relationship has morphed over time, the connection remains strong.

Equine Theraphy horses blessed

Three horses from the school’s equine therapy program also attended the service. The Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribes represented at St. Joseph’s regard animals at a deep level. In particular, they revere the šúŋkawakȟán — horse — for its grace, bravery and ability to assist in healing from trauma, anxiety, and mental and emotional distress. Fr. Greg asked for a moment of silence as those gathered remembered Sox, one of the school’s horses that passed away in late August.

The school has found both animal programs beneficial to the students, and students often gravitate to the dogs or horses when they want companionship.