Blessing of the Animals at OLMC Mill Valley!

Please join the families of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for our annual Blessing of the Animals, which will be held on Wednesday, October 5th, at 5:30 pm, in the North Bridge Academy parking lot, 17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley.

Many Catholic churches around the world traditionally celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with an invitation for their local community members to bring their pets for a communal blessing. Fr. Patrick Michaels, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, says that, "Francis saw God's hand in every aspect of Creation. In blessing our pets – those creatures of Divine Ingenuity – we give thanks for the blessings they are in our lives." St. Francis is said to have preached to and blessed attentive birds, tamed a wolf, and freed animals from traps. In this event, we celebrate the many ways in which God's care reaches beyond the human to encompass all of Creation.

One parish friend has remarked that, for animal lovers, "this blessing is a sight to see." In addition to dogs and cats, past attendees have included fish, birds, guinea pigs, lizards and turtles; in the case of animals unable to travel or socialize, owners have brought pictures to share.

Please note that you do not have to have a pet to attend. All dogs must be on a leash; we recommend crating cats.

Praised be you, my Lord, with all your Creatures. – St. Francis of Assisi