Saint Francis of Assisi Day: Animal Blessings 2023

On October 1st, Sunday, Saint Catherine's Anglican Church and Highlands United Church partnered to hold an Animal Blessings outside the latter's church in Edgemont Village in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi Day.

Pet owners and animal lovers came together to seek blessings for their beloved companions, and to express gratitude for the joy and companionship they bring into their lives. Rev. Sharon Smith, Rev. Will Sparks, and Rev. Julie Lees offered an individual blessing to each animal present.

The animal blessing is a special ceremony performed in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. This ceremony is observed to honor the love and compassion that Saint Francis had for all creatures, big and small.  He saw animals as our fellow creatures, deserving of love and compassion. The animal blessing ceremony serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and animals and our responsibility to protect and care for them.