October 4 is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. For this reason, October is the month when churches typically offer a blessing of the animals. This year, there are three opportunities for our furry (and feathery) friends to be blessed.
- On Saturday, October 5, there will be a blessing of the animals at noon in the plaza at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 429 East Allen Street.
- On Sunday, October 13, there will be a blessing of the animals at the First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren Street, from noon to 2:00 p.m. Those who plan to attend are asked to register in advance, which can be done here.
- On Saturday, October 19, there will be a blessing of the animals at Christ Church Episcopal, 431 Union Street, at 10:00 a.m. Those who cannot bring their pets or who want to honor a pet who has passed are welcome to bring a picture or other memento of their pet to be blessed.
