Annual Blessing of the Animals to be held in Franklin

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, located at 805 First St., will host its annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. The outdoor worship service is a special opportunity for the community to gather, give thanks and celebrate the animals that share our lives.
The Blessing of the Animals is held each fall in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the Christian faith’s most beloved saints and a longtime symbol of love and care for God’s creatures.
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they have a pet or not. During the service, animals will be blessed individually along with their human companions. Stuffed animals are welcome as well, and pets who are unable to attend may be blessed in absentia at their owner’s request.
Weather permitting, the service will take place on the brick area in front of St. Mary’s Church. In the event of rain, the service will move under the pavilion behind the parish hall. Refreshments will be available for both pets and their owners.
This year’s special guests of honor will be Astro and Lady, two boxers who live with Jim Evans III. According to their family, Astro and Lady enjoy running around the yard and spending plenty of time sleeping.
Area residents are invited to come out, meet Astro and Lady and their animal friends, and join in celebrating the beauty and companionship of God’s creatures.
Pet owners are reminded to keep their animals safely contained or on a leash during the event.
For more information, call St. Mary’s Church at (337) 828-0918 or visit stmarysfranklin.net.