There will be a Blessing of the Animals at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Saturday, October 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Families are invited to bring pets of all kinds for the annual blessing. The traditional event honors St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love for animals and the number of miracles he made possible through them. His feast day is October 4, animal blessings are held throughout the church during the month of October.
Born in Italy in the 11th century, Francis was known as a rebellious young man, spoiled and given to partying and drinking until his devotion to Christ changed his lifestyle and his evangelical zeal and consecration to poverty, charity and personal charisma led to thousands of followers strengthened by his message. He was named the protector of animals before of his great love for all animals, and Pope Francis, who took his papal name in honor of Francis of Assisi, recognized him as the patron saint of animals and the ecology honoring his love for animals and nature.
