St. Thomas Episcopal church recognizes that our pets are part of God’s creation. They provide us with companionship and love, and we have an obligation to care for them. St. Thomas’s Reverend Pat Merchant will bless animals at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 6 in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and nature.
This event is open to everyone and their pets. Join us for a short service, the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, prayers and individual blessings of animals. Pets of all sizes and types are welcome but they must be on leashes, cages or carriers. Last year’s event included blessings for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and fish. If you are unable to bring your pet to the service, you are welcome to bring a photograph or a stuffed animal representation to be blessed.
Refreshments for people and pets will be served after the service. Please bring a chair or blanket as we’ll be on the front lawn of the church if weather permits.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2100 Hilton Avenue
This year we are welcome, Dr. Shannon Wylie of Double Churches Animal Clinic to join us so you can learn more about her practice.
For additional information, please contact Erin Redden at episcokids@stthomascolumbus.
The custom of blessing pets is done in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment. October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis. Many churches, especially Catholic and Episcopal congregations, observe a blessing for animals on or close to that date. One of the most well-known animal blessing ceremonies takes place at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, where thousands of people and animals – including camels, oxen, horses and sometimes elephants – gather for blessings each year.
