Blessing of the Animals

About this event

On Sunday, October 4th, Prairiewoods invites you to join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals, a gathering inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all creatures. Together, we will offer gratitude for the animals who enrich our lives and celebrate our shared place within the larger community of creation. Following a brief communal reflection, individual blessings will be offered for the animals in attendance, and each family will receive a small St. Francis medal as a remembrance of the day. Guests can look forward to a welcoming atmosphere with light refreshments for people, fresh water and treats for our animal companions, and opportunities to connect with others who share an appreciation for the gifts of the natural world. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other safely accompanied animal companions are welcome. Those wishing to honor an animal who cannot attend, or one who now lives in memory, are warmly invited to bring a photograph. Whether your companion walks beside you, curls up in your lap or lives in the wild spaces that surround us, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the abundance, beauty and interconnectedness of all creation.