Community Corner
Blessing of the Animals
On the first Sunday in October, people driving by St. Michael’s Church on Hope Street in Bristol may notice something odd. Animals, everything from dogs and cats, to rabbits and hamsters, will gather, with their owners, in the Close of the Church for a ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals.
This special observance has its origins in the feast day of Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment. Our pets are important in our lives, and at St. Michael’s we give thanks for the blessings they give us. We also take the opportunity to help raise awareness of our local animal shelter and their needs by collecting donations of pet food and supplies during the event.
Please join us on October 6 at 12 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Bristol for a Blessing of the Animals service to be held by Canon David Lucey. This is a community event and all are invited to attend! Pets should be properly restained. If a pet is unable to attend the actual service, photos or tokens of our special friends may be blessed in their place. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Bristol Animal Shelter.
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