Blessing of the Animals

On Sunday Afternoon, October 6nd at 2:00 p.m., The First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown will offer a Blessing of the Pets, remembering St. Francis of Assisi and his feast day. The custom of blessing animals and pets in the fall of the year remembers St. Francis who was known for his love for all of earth’s creatures and celebrates God’s spirit in all living things. As a poor friar, the story goes that he and his colleagues allowed themselves to be ousted from their poor hovel by a donkey. St Francis wrote a canticle that said “All praise to you Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” The blessing of animals reminds us to celebrate creation, and God’s message that we shall be faithful stewards of the earth. Children and families of the church and community are invited to bring their pets and gather in the back parking lot at 2:00 p.m. for the ceremony and individual blessings led by Pastors Chip Low and Tami Seidel. Families may wish to bring a picture of a pet that is too infirm to come, or who may not be temperamentally able to attend the ceremony.