Community
29 September, 2023
God bless all the animals
IN an adorable tradition and remembrance of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, St Peter’s Anglican Church Kewarra Beach will hold a blessing ceremony for pets in the community during their Sunday service to celebrate and protect our furry companions at the Trinity Anglican School (TAS) campus chapel.
A Christian custom, celebrated in early October to commemorate the Feast of St Francis, the blessing of animals has become a tradition for St Peter’s that is now celebrating 13 years at the TAS campus chapel on Poolwood Rd.
St Peter’s priest Elisabeth Daniels will perform the blessings halfway through the 8.30am service on October 1. The service is aimed mostly at dogs. Horses and snakes are not allowed for safety purposes.
St Peter’s publicity officer Lynne Sturrock said the blessing of animals had become a staple for the congregation.
“Although it varies every year, we get approximately 20-30 owners with their pets, mostly dogs, sometimes cats in crates, joining the blessing,” Ms Sturrock said. “You don’t have to be a member of the church to participate,” she said.
