Blessing of the Animals open to all God’s creatures

Talk about it

The St. Joseph Community will celebrate St. Francis, animals and community with their second annual Blessing of the Animals Oct. 6 and they want you to join them.

The Blessing of the Animals honors St. Francis, who was a lover all creatures big and small. Director of liturgy Bill Bradley said St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon and is the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Last year more than 200 people and their pets turned out for the inaugural Blessing of the Animals at St. Joseph. This year organizers hope for more.

“It’s a community event. Come one, come all,” said Bridget Samson, the church’s director of parish life.

The Blessing of the Animals is held the first Saturday in October, two days after St. Francis Feast Day. Bradley said pastors, deacons and ministers from throughout the area will bless dogs, goldfish, cats, lizards, tarantulas, snakes, farm animals, horses and more exotic animals.

“It’s a celebratory atmosphere and we want to emphasize community,” said Bradley.

Samson said as part of the event a children’s choir will perform, Hope Rides will offer horse rides, Dakota County Mounted Patrol will be there and Last Hope will be there with animals up for adoption.

Fantasy Coral will provide a petting zoo and various vet clinics and pet care businesses include Fluegel’s Garden, Farm and Pet will hand out samples.

“I am really looking forward to it and praying for good weather,” said Samson.

There also will be a $100 award to the most creative animal attire worn at the animal blessing — full-body costumes do not count — and a $50 award for the cutest animal costume worn by a baby, infant or toddler.

The Blessing of the Animals will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 in front of St. Joseph School entrance, 13900 Biscayne Ave. The event is held outdoors, so dress accordingly. The event will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather.

Visit the St. Joseph website for more information at www.stjosephcommunity.org or call Bridget Samson at 651-423-4402.

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