In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis Medical Center is hosting its annual pet blessing for the community and their animals. The public is invited to bring their pets to this celebration of St. Francis’ love for all of God’s creation on Sunday, October 8, at 2 pm. Father James Dominic will administer the pet blessing in Anna Gray Noe Park in Monroe across from the main entrance of the hospital on 309 Jackson Street.
All pets are welcome, but pet owners are asked to have their pets leashed or secured for the protection of their pets and other pets at the park. In the event of rain, the pet blessing will be canceled.
St. Francis is the patron saint of nature, animals and of St. Francis Medical Center's founders, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. The blessing of animals is a tradition that originated in the 13th century in remembrance of St. Francis, who believed all animals should be treated with dignity and respect. The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated annually on October 4.