Today, the feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4th October, St George’s Church hosted a Pet Blessing Service as part of our celebration of the Season of Creation. It was led by pet lover, Mother Doreen.
There was a welcome to pets of all kinds, though in the end there was one cat and a lot of dogs! Each pet and owner came forward for a personal blessing and we said prayers and sang hymns appropriate to the occasion. for the season.
Pet Blessing services help us to remember the emotional and spiritual bond between humans and their animal companions, and sanctify that relationship by invoking God’s blessing. They also serve as a reminder of the responsibility we humans have as stewards of God’s creation, fostering kindness and care for all creatures.
St Francis was an Italian mystic and poet, often portrayed in religious art surrounded by animals. As a result, he became the patron saint of animals and ecology, and his feast day, has become World Animal Day.
It was a pleasure to see so many people and so many pets. There were 5 children, 30 adults and an approximate 50/50 split Spanish and expat.
Thank you all so much for coming. It was a lovely occasion. Now looking forward to 2026 and maybe a few more different types of animal?
