This age-old tradition of blessing animals is celebrated on or about the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the Ecology, his Feast Day is October 4. St. Francis was known for his joyful preaching of the Gospel, often accompanied by singing. He is also known to give praise to God for the beauty of God’s creation. His love of nature and animals is reflected in stories of his compassion and care of all of God’s creatures. On his feast day it is traditional to bring pets to the church to be blessed by the priest.
After singing "All Creatures of Our God and King", Fr. Kerns blessed all the animals. There were lots of dogs, birds, a cat, a lizard and a frog.
The lone kitty.
Man's best friend.
St. Bernard puppies!
Gathering outside of church for the blessing of animals.
Fr. Kerns sprinkles holy water over the animals.
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