Blessing of the Animals
Article by Mrs. Diane Barnes On what seemed to be a normal autumn Wednesday, people dropping their kids off at St. Pius X School may have noticed something odd. Animals were on the school grounds. Everything from dogs, cats and hamsters to parakeets, lizards, turtles and rabbits. It is customary near the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) for parishes to host an annual Blessing of the Animals. This was the second annual blessing at St. Pius School. "All creatures great and small" were brought safely to the school grounds on Wednesday, October 10, at the beginning of the school day. The ceremony was held on the patio. Fr. Steve read several prayers and thanksgivings and then blessed the animals with the assistance of Fr. Pedro. Then the congregation recited together the Prayer of St. Francis. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures.