We hope you can join us on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., for our Blessing of the Animals Service
Rain or Shine!
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. Amen.
You may have wondered why many churches hold their Blessing of the Animals service on October 4, when St. Francis of Assisi died October 3. Well it is because he died close to midnight, and it was in 1226, so really, it’s hard to know for sure!
And we really don’t exactly know how Francis became the patron saint of animals – it could be because he held the first known nativity scene using real animals. For whatever the reason, we are happy to be holding a service to commemorate the death of this beloved Saint – and to thank God for the place animals of all types make our lives just that much better!
Assisi is also the patron Saint of the environment, and birds, and it is thought this is because of the respect he gave to all God’s creatures.
The service will be held in St. Philip’s Church – starting at 5:30 p.m. It won’t be a long service, but guaranteed to be a lot of fun! And don’t worry if your pet makes a mess, we are expecting that and can easily clean it up! Want more to entice you to come? Here are some photos of the pets you will see!
