Blessing of the Animals

Blessing of the Animals
Did you know that the blessing of the animals is traditionally connected to the date of St. Francis’ death in early October? St. Francis was renowned for remembering the sanctity and care for all life, animals and people. On Sunday, October 5th, we invite you to bring your pets (or a photo if they don’t travel well) to the lower church green at 2 p.m. (right outside the NE door), for our annual Blessing of the Animals. Children are welcome to bring a favorite stuffed animal for a blessing as well. If you have lost a pet, feel free to come as we also will have a time of silence and remembrance.

This is a wonderful service to give thanks for all of life that God has created! “Praised be you, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom You
give us light, and he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One. Praised by You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.” St Francis, 13th c.