Churches Plan Animal Blessings for St. Francis Feast

Churches are holding Blessing of the Animals services around the Feast of St. Francis, whose 800th death anniversary in 2026 has prompted special observances. Events include an October 3 gathering at St. Paul’s Church in Mullingar and an October 4 service at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Columbia; churches in Lancaster County are also scheduling outdoor blessings. Pets may attend leashed or crated, and some services welcome photos or stuffed animals as alternatives for animals that cannot come in person. At a Portland service, a husky named Monti delighted the congregation by howling along with the priest, who handed him a microphone.