ALEXANDRIA, VA–Under blue skies and lush green trees blowing lightly in an early fall breeze, Pastor Grace Han welcomed Alexandria’s creatures, big and small, for the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, September 29, 2018.
On October 4, people all over the world will be celebrating the feast day of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. It’s customary that in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures, animals are led to churches on for a special ceremony called the “Blessing of the Animals,” on or near the actual feast day.
Every animal was personally blessed by the pastor, and given a certificate. Zebra was on hand to capture the morning’s celebration, and offer a complimentary photo to any participant who wanted a memento.
Photos by Harry Merritt.
