Olvera Street Blessing of the Animals

I am writing from the road...as usual the Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street was fabulous. I got to reconnect with many of the people and merchants I met while researching blessing of the animals.

It was great meeting those of you who are members of this community at the blessing of the animals--and the tv crew was thrilled, too! They did a whole segment--but I didn't get the email promised to tell you about where it aired.

The Cardinal was his usual self dousing people with Holy Water! (If you signed up for the bonus material you will get the inside scoop on this.) You can see some of the spray in the above photo. The ground was soaked in front of the stage and not from rain.

Two inside stories: One cat really was disturbed by the water--she jumped out of her owners arms and darted away through the crowds and into the bushes--fortunately she was recovered.

Cardinal Mahony is not without humor, or determination. When one skittish horse danced around in the front of the stage--the Cardinal delayed--but as soon as the equine was trotting away--the man sneaked a sideway glance--and swish--the Cardinal showered his rump with water...the Cardinal's expression and the way he covertly doused the animals caused the crowds up front to chuckle.

Finally, thanks to all the merchants for having me as a guest. I was right behind the Cardinal and his group in the procession and all around taking photos. During the after party I was able to present a copy of Blessing of the Animals to the Zorthian clan--sadly, Dabney Zorthian (whose interview appears in the book) passed over last year.

Oh! The event photographer took a photo of Cardinal Mahony and I after I presented him with a copy of Blessing of the Animals--I'll post it when i get it. Many of the photos will be posted when I get back for your viewing pleasure!