Published: September 24, 2008 10:10 am         

Blessing of the animals: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual event Saturday

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual blessing of the animals on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at the church, located at the corner of Knox Road and St. Matthew Street, across the street from Jason Niles Park.

There will be two readings from scripture, a prayer, and all pets will be blessed. You do not have to be a member of the church to bring your pet for a blessing according to Priest Mary Berry.

All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be either on a leash or in pet carriers. Other “critters” also must be appropriately contained or secured, she explained.

The Blessing of the Animals is connected with St. Francis of Assisi. Born in Italy in 1182, he was the son of a prosperous merchant.

As he became a young man he was concerned for the poor and sick and decided to embrace a life of poverty and serve the poor. An Order developed, a group of followers who identified with his values and they were called the order of Friars Minor (the least of God’s servants).

The order grew rapidly all over Europe. Over the years people have associated care and love of animals with Francis of Assisi and in time services would be held at which people would bring their pets as well as livestock to be blessed. Many liturgical churches hold a service of Blessing of the Animals on Saturday or Sunday close to Oct. 4, the day of the liturgical calendar assigned to Francis is Assisi.