Community Corner
Got Pets? Get Them Blessed in Honor of St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
Ascension Episcopal Church in Vallejo offers the blessings Saturday, Oct. 5.
In Napa Valley, some wineries offer annual blessings and prayers of thanks for the grape harvest. But grapes are not the only living things to receive blessings.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Father Bayani Rico will be blessing all creatures great and small at Ascension Episcopal Church in Vallejo.
The Blessing of the Animals celebrates St Francis of Assisi – his Feast Day is Oct. 4 – in remembrance of his love for what he called his brother and sister creatures.
In past years, both parishioners and local residents have enjoyed the blessing of their pets in the church's spectacular redwood grove.
Father Bayani greets each pet by name, the prayer is offered and the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water. Father Bayani says he has blessed cats, dogs and even a child's stuffed dinosaur.
The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. on Oct. 5 in Ascension's redwood grove, behind the church at 2420 Tuolumne St., Vallejo.
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For more information call (707) 644-5505. All are welcome.
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