Local Church To Host Animal Blessing Service | Events

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church will open its doors to dogs, cats, hamsters, iguanas and any other animals as it holds a companion animal blessing ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2.

The church, located at 6205 University Avenue, will host the ceremony in which each animal in attendance will be blessed and prayed for individually.

The blessing coincides with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, traditionally observed on Oct. 4. St. Francis was a 12th-Century Italian monk widely remembered for his affinity for nature and animals, as well as his vow of poverty.

The specially designed liturgy will include readings, songs and prayers as well as an individual blessing for each pet and its people. Refreshments and simple animal-related crafts will follow.

All ages, species and religious traditions are welcome. For everyone’s safety and comfort, animals should be on a lead or in a carrier or cage. More information, including directions to St. Dunstan's are available at http://www.stdunstans.com.