Bring your pets for a special blessing on Sunday, October 6 at 2PM. Meet in the parking lot near the hall with your pets leashed or in a crate.
This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. St Francis is lovingly known as the patron saint of animals or the patron saint of the lowly.
We celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4th. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.
St Francis, who founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan order, lived in Italy during the late 12th and 13th centuries. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. He is also remembered for his love for animals and nature. St Francis died at Portiuncula, Italy on October 4, 1226. Pope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a saint in 1228. The pope also laid the foundation stone for the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, therefore sometimes you will hear St Francis referenced as St. Francis of Assisi. For more history about Blessing of the Animals and St. Francis of Assisi, www.visitfranciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/blessing-of-animals