Each year, the closest day to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October, St. John’s Episcopal Church has held an Annual Blessing of the Animals behind the church at 516 East Broughton Street in Bainbridge. St. Francis was canonized in 1228 and became associated with patronage of animals and the natural environment. It became customary to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day.

This year, the Reverend Judy Jones-Keith will bless each animal on Saturday, October 8th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. All animals and all faiths are welcome to attend this special blessing. Please bring your pets (on leash or in a crate) because, although we all love our animals, not all animals get along with each other!

Donations to The Bainbridge-Decatur Humane Society will greatly be appreciated: dog and cat foods, toys, towels, etc.

Service animals are especially invited as their jobs are hazardous and beneficial to our safety.