The Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, and it is also the day for the annual Blessing of the Animals at Christ Church Episcopal. At 10 a.m. this Saturday, animals of "all sizes, shapes, and stripes" will be blessed by Rev. Eileen Weglarz, interim rector at Christ Church, who in former parishes has blessed iguanas, chickens, cows, and horses, as well the dogs, cats, and birds who usually turn up to be blessed at Christ Church. Anyone who has lost a pet in the last year is welcome to bring a photo of that departed companion for a special blessing.

My noble and courageous William, who is now closer to being seventeen years old than sixteen, has regularly been blessed at Christ Church. Sadly, it is unlikely that William will be present for this year's blessing, but I'm hoping if I show up with his picture, there will be a special blessing for him, too.

The Blessing of the Animals takes place in the circle drive beside the Parish Hall at 431 Union Street. In the event of rain, the blessing will happen indoors. All animals who come to be blessed must be on a leash or in a crate. There will be refreshments for both the animals and their humans.
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