This weekend, churches around the world will celebrate something that St. Francis of Assisi started almost 800 years ago: the blessing of animals.
Coinciding with his feast day (the day that he died) on Oct. 4, animal blessing services typically take place on the nearest Sunday.
Rekindling the tradition, St. Andrews-Wesley United Church (1012 Nelson) will have a blessing of the animals at 6pm Oct. 6. The interdenominational service welcomes all creatures; if your pet has passed, youre invited to bring a photo to be honoured.
According to Rev. Kathryn Ransdell, lead minister for the blessing of the animals, [The practice] still matters today. More and more we need these sacred places.
