Please join the families of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mill Valley, for our annual Blessing of the Animals, which will be held on Friday, October 4, at 5:30pm, in the North Bridge Academy / Church Parking Lot, 17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley. Our priest in residence, Fr. Bill Brown, a self-proclaimed lover of animals, will be offering the blessing.
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 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, turtles and snakes; 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. If you prefer not to bring your pet, feel free to bring a photograph. All pets should be under the direct control of their owners, either on a leash or appropriately contained, at all times.
Praised be you, my Lord, with all your Creatures. – St. Francis of Assisi
