As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd. A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even reptiles, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Animals.

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love.

No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

At St. Stephen's, this special service is held usually in October, close to the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Pets of all species join us in the Sanctuary for the blessing.