Join us for the traditional Blessing of Animals on Friday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. in St. James field, 5804 Sheridan Rd.

St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) lived in Italy and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers. He is credited with arranging the first live Christmas nativity scene in his love for animals and nature — and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals. You are invited to bring pets to be blessed on St. Francis’ feast day in honor of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures.