What a Blessing!

By David Plunkett

In observance of the Feast of Saint Francis, held its annual Blessing of the Animals last Sunday afternoon on the front steps of the church.

With more than 50 people in attendance, and 33 pets blessed, it was, by all accounts, a wonderful success!

Led by Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Piazza, Co-Pastor Rev. Cameron Trimble, and Director of Community Outreach Anna Hall, the brief service featured an a cappella solo from David Bates and a visit from Ann King, Executive Director of Save Our Pets Foodbank.

Most in the crowd were folks from the neighborhood, and they were delighted to find a warm welcome, wine, and cheese. Their four-legged friends, mostly dogs (with a couple cats thrown in for good measure) gobbled up homemade treats while sporting their new kerchiefs declaring, "I've Been Blessed!"

To see more photos from the event, visit the gallery on the church website or the album on the Facebook page.

David Plunkett is the Director of Church Life at Virginia-Highland Church.