Even our pets can use a blessing and several churches across the Rio Grande Valley will hold Blessing of the Pets or Blessing of the Animals events beginning Saturday.
The Blessing of the Animals came about from St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of animals. He is known for his love for animals and nature.
The feast of St. Francis is celebrated on Oct. 4, and this is when churches tend to hold the pet blessings. Your typical dogs and cats are very much present at the blessings, but you will also see iguanas, turtles, fish and sometimes even chickens and roosters.
At a blessing of the pets’ event held last October at St. Episcopal Day School in Brownsville, Rev. Laurie McKim said, “We ask you gracious Lord, to bless these children and their pets, that the love they share may be a sign of your presence in their lives and in the world and we pray that even as we see how the creatures of this world look to us for their needs, we too would be moved to look to you for all our needs in this life and in the life that is to come.”
Some of the local churches holding pet blessing events include:
>> St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church in Mission – 9:30 a.m. Saturday
>> Lord of Divine Mercy Parish in Brownsville – 5 p.m. Sunday
>> Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen – 6 p.m. Tuesday
