Please join us on Friday October 4th in the McDougall Parking lot for the Blessing of the Animals on the feast day of St. Francis. 

Feel free to drop by anytime between 5 -7PM, light refreshments (and pet treats) will be provided. 

All creatures are welcome (even cherished stuffies!).  

We encourage any smaller creatures to be in their pet carriers and dogs to be leashed. 

We will also be accepting pet food donations for the Acadia Pantry to help our furry friends in the community.

Who is St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy, and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

He is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and for his love for animals and nature. He is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Blessing of Animals

Many people bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St. Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures.