Blessing of the pets ceremonies are part of the celebration for the Feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, in remembrance for his love of all creatures. This time of year, people bring a procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to snakes, lizards, to churches for a special ceremony. The love we give to pets and receive in return from pets draws us into the circle of life and our relationship to God.
PEARL – (Left) St. Jude parish furry friends receive blessings by Father Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor on Thursday Oct. 3. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)
MADISON – Crawford Kraft and Kaitlyn Rottmann pet her dog as Lorelei Shipley and Jamie Rottman look on at St. Anthony school, on Friday, Oct.4. (Photo by Michele Warnock)
SOUTHAVEN – (Above) Father Greg Schill, SCJ receives kisses from a furry friend during “drive a through animal blessing” at Sacred Heart school on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
OLIVE BRANCH – Father Thi Pham, SCJ, blessed dogs, cats, hamsters and even horses at Queen of Peace parish on Wednesday, Oct. 2 in honor of St. Francis Day that occurs every year on Oct. 4. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
