Pet owners invited to church’s annual Blessing of Animals
St. John’s Episcopal Church will hold its 25th annual Blessing of Animals on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. in St. James City.
The community is invited to bring their pets on a leash or in a carrier. Attendees should also bring a chair to sit on.
There will be hot dogs, drinks and chips, along with door prizes.
The church reported Blessing of Animals is a religious ceremony that takes place in many churches around the world — most commonly around the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assissi — where pets receive a prayer of blessing and protection. It honors the human-animal bond and St. Francis’ deep love for nature.
A 12 century Italian saint, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. He viewed all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. The Blessing of Animals honors the belief that all of God’s creatures are cherished and loved.
“You may consider donating money, pet food or gently used blankets or towels to local animal shelters around this time of year,” it added. “It’s a great way to teach children what they can do to help endangered, abused or abandoned pets.”
For more information, visit https://www.stjohnspineisland.com/ or contact 239-273-1930.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is at 7771 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.