St. George’s Episcopal Church will have a special Blessing of the Animals during an outdoor service on Sunday, October 9. The public is cordially invited to bring their pets and actively take part. The Communion Service and blessing will be outdoors, rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Some tents will be erected. This service will begin at 10 a.m. A light lunch will be served afterward in the church hall. St. George’s is located at 635 Old Wilder Road, Hilton (across from Kelly’s).
October 4 is the Feast Day of St. Francis. Francis of Assisi was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 and died in 1226. During his life, Francis served as a Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher of God’s word. He founded several Orders; most notably the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Custody of the Holy Land. After his death, Francis was venerated by the Church because of his service to and for God’s people.
Francis remains one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. He is honored with a Lesser Festival in the Church of England, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Episcopal Church USA, the Old Catholic Churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Roman Catholic Church and other churches and religious communities every year on October 4.
Francis is the patron of animals, ecology, and merchants. In recent years, the Episcopal Church has joined other churches in observing the tradition of blessing animals on or near Francis’ feast day.
The Blessing of the Animals service will be low-key/come as you are, but also meaningful. Those planning to attend this year’s event should bring their own lawn chair and should have their pets either leashed or caged for a blessing. Attendees may, if they prefer, bring a photo of their pet for the blessing.
This event is free to the public. Animals of all sizes and shapes and their caregivers are welcomed.
Provided information and photo
