Blessing of the Animals Held in NDLS Courtyard

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Rev. John J. Coughlin, O.F.M., Professor of Law and Concurrent Professor of Theology, blessed the NDLS community’s pets in the Law School Courtyard October 4.

The ceremony was organized by NDLS Student Bar Association co-chairs for Spiritual Life, Alex Blair and Sana Din, who noted that St. Francis is said to have warned that “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

• Poster art, photos, and captions below are courtesy of Alex Blair

Cooper the Labrador, left, and Winston the Corgi, right.

Fr. Coughlin blesses Leo, cat of 2L Michelle Stinnett while her friend, fellow 2L Bridget Nugent watches.

Oscar O’Connell investigates a camera.

Mack the mastiff and Winston the corgi receive a blessing from Fr. Coughlin.

Fr. Coughlin blesses Cletus the Great Dane and his sister, who are owned by 1L Angela Johnson and her husband Scotty.