The 2021 Honored Animals are the Frog & the Mouse

THE FROG:  Healer *  Selflessness * Taking Care of Others * Change * Chaser of Negativity *

THE MOUSE:  Brave *  Hopeful * Hardworking * Helpful * Accomplish anything, regardless of size * Kindness *

The Sinterklaas 2020 Blessing of the Frog

We are delighted to bring you one of the most profound moments of Sinterklaas—the annual reading at the Pageant of the Blessing of the Honored Animal by Fr. Richard McKeon of the Church of the Messiah—this year it is the Blessing of the Frog.

While we don’t have the pageantry, the cold night air, the hundreds of surrounding folks with their stars, we do have a special message from Father Richard and the lovely poem by Gigi Alvare.

Enjoy it and keep our wishes of good will with you throughout the year. And we will publish the Blessing of the Mouse as we approach Sinterklaas 2021.
Dona Nobis Pacem!

Blessing of the FROG 2020

I am the ancient gem of water and green earth,
Look for me in hidden places.
I will surprise in day and night
Wake your spirit like a little light.

Primordial gel of transparent egg,
Tadpole with tail then kicking legs leaping,
Suddenly appears from pond womb to land.

Moist chorus of color, pattern, and form-
Reminds you of the day that you were born
Swimming out into the world.

Drinking and breathing through delicate skin,
The muscle of balance stretched very thin.

Join with me then–for hope of renewal
Each one of us a precious earth jewel
We are one on this planet
I bring you to understand who you are.
Sisters and brothers of the frog and the Star.

— Gigi Alvaré, 2020