Pet parents and their furry, feathery and scaly friends have the chance to receive a blessing from parish clergy the first and second weekends in October.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and environmental stewardship. To honor this great saint and the special place pets have in our lives, parishes throughout the Diocese of Charlotte are hosting a “Blessing of the Animals.”
Celebrating its patronal feast, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville had special events planned on Oct. 1 and 2, including veneration of a first-class relic of the saint and a pet blessing.
“The Blessing of the Animals, which has become associated with our parish patron, St. Francis of Assisi, is one of those beautiful examples of the universality of our faith and of God’s universal call to holiness for all people,” said Father Eric Kowalski, pastor.
Father Kowalski also noted the annual event’s ecumenical nature.
“It is wonderful to see the intersectionality with our Christian brothers and sisters who gather, sometimes at their churches, and even occasionally here in Mocksville for the Blessing of the Animals,” he said. “At a time when so many people seem to be emphasizing all the things that divide us, it’s wonderful to see something as simple as a blessing of animals brings people together.”
Upcoming Blessings of the Animals
SALISBURY
Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christie Lane, Oct. 31, 8 a.m., school/parish grounds
