Everyone is invited to bring his or her pet, companion animal or service animal for a blessing when St. John’s Episcopal Church again offers their annual Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Marcia McRae officiating.
The event will take place on the lawn located at the rear of the church and in front of the fellowship hall at 516 E. Broughton St.
This custom has been observed in early October for years by many Catholic and Anglican churches in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. The date coincides with the Feast Day of St. Francis on Oct. 4.
Following a short service of prayers and hymns, each pet is individually called by name while the priest gently blesses it with a laying on of hands. Most animals receive the blessing with a quiet dignity. There will also be a time in the service for remembering those pets who have been lost over the past year.
There is a special bond between a person and their pet, and the church is the place where the bond of creation is best celebrated.
Contributions of pet food or cleaning supplies from those attending will be donated to the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society. Donations will be appreciated, but are not required.
All animals should be restrained on a leash or in a carrier.