SALISBURY — Sacred Heart students and families celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, during Morning Assembly Oct. 13.
Many students brought their pets to be blessed. The pet crowd included dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, a hamster and two hedgehogs. Pictured are: Isabella Llanio and her hedgehog, Willow; Mabel Harrison and her bunny, Midget; Faye Carol Shellhorn and her dog, Tiska; and Osmar Monroy and his hamster, Travel. (Photos provided by Robin Fisher)
SYLVA — Father Joshua Voitus blessed parishioners' pets and cars Oct. 9 outside St. Mary, Mother of God Church. (Photo by Della Sue Bryson, correspondent)
KERNERSVILLE — Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant, pastor, led a blessing of the animals service Oct. 1 outside Holy Cross Church. Parishioners brought their pet dogs, cats, bunnies – even a turtle, frog and a goat made an appearance. The event also featured information from local animal shelters and assistance organizations. (Photo by John Bunyea, correspondent)
