Pictured with Luke Robinson, Murphy, and Hudson, is the Reverend Pattie Handloss, retired associate vicar of the Old North Church in the North End, and Animal Rescue League of Boston overseer. The Reverend Handloss officiated at the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, June 19, 2010 as part of the celebration of Luke and The Boys finishing their 826 days and 2301 mile journey from Austin to Boston. For the complete blog article, please follow this link.
Blessing of the animals takes place days before and after the Feast day of St Francis (Oct 4). However, most faith traditions (be it Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian etc.) would probably accommodate a blessing of your animals if you ask.
In the Roman Catholic tradition, October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. He was known for his vow of poverty and his special connection to animals, among many other things. Many have picked up on the Catholic tradition of blessing animals, particularly pets, on this day. St. Francis may receive little attention at this service, but a number of congregations will bless pets at the service. Some people bring their pets to church, others bring photographs of their pets; others have their pets blessed by naming them. Some congregations celebrate this service at other, variable times of the year.
