Back in the spring of 2023, the Eugene Ewan Mori Foundation trustees visited the Sanctuary at Lakota Farms in Groveland, Florida. After hearing good things about TSALF we wanted to meet Bob McErlean, the president and his animal loving staff. We were in awe of the spacious surroundings and friendly animals we encountered.
Bob and his most dedicated assistant Kambrie, gave us the royal tour and introduced us to the many lovable creatures in residence. They expressed concern about one horse in particular, a very frail looking 17 year old mare named Ruby. As Bob and Kambrie described the life threatening ailments afflicting her, expectation of survival for Ruby was very low. For whatever reason, Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, came up in the course of conversation. We discussed the worldwide popularity of Blessing of Animals ceremonies held by many faith communities and suggested perhaps the presence of a Saint Francis statue on the property wouldn't be a bad idea.
Bob, a man of faith, went out and bought a statue and the next day he sent us this picture of a curious Ruby and Saint Francis! Now, do bear in mind, according to the Equine Facial Action Coding System, researchers have found horses can make 17 facial expressions to convey communication. Could facial prayer be one of them?
Well, fast forward a few months, courtesy of Blessed Sacrament Church in nearby Clermont, a Saint Francis of Assisi blessing of the animals was held at The Sanctuary of Lakota Farms for the benefit of the community. People brought their pets and Father Roy conducted a beautiful service. After the owners had their pets blessed, Bob asked Father Roy to visit all of his livestock in their stalls for a personal blessing. Lo and behold, we came upon an amazingly healed and healthy Ruby!
One has to wonder if this picture of Ruby and Saint Francis captured a divine moment of a horse's prayer for healing. After all, Psalms 145:9 tells us.... The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all He has made.
And it's not just Ruby experiencing transformative healing. The overwhelming love, compassion and nurturing from Bob, Kambrie and all the volunteers at TSALF have been immersing their livestock in, has undoubtedly created a healing environment, with of course the prayerful assistance of Saint Francis, a most vital spiritual component!
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