Blessing of the Animals
About 20 people and pets gathered in front of St. Mary of the Assumption’s front doors Oct. 1 to celebrate the Blessing of the Animals, an event honoring St. Francis Feast Day Oct. 4. The service was led by The Rev. John Kim.
St. Francis Feast Day memorializes St.
Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. He was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare and the Third Order of Saint Francis.
St. Francis is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers and for his love for animals and nature.
He is the Catholic Church’s Patron Saint of animals and the environment.
During the Blessing of the Animals, The Rev. John Kim opened with examples of animals in the Bible and the role they played, “We, therefore, involve the divine blessing on these animals through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi.”
He then prayed over the event and asked God for the blessing.
He used an aspergillum to sprinkle holy water onto the animal attendees.
The Rev. John Kim leads attendees in prayer during the blessing of the pets Oct. 1 honoring St. Francis Feast Day. Photos by Tim Mikeska
The Rev. John Kim sprinkled holy water onto local pets Oct. 1.
