Blessing of Animals held Saturday at McDonald Park
KAMLOOPS — October 4th is celebrated as the Feast of St Francis of Assisi to commemorate the life and legacy of the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment. Each year around that date, churches from a variety of different faiths celebrate a unique service in St Francis’ honour, meant to recognize the roles animals play in our lives.
One such service was held at McDonald Park on Saturday morning, which dawned bright and sunny, the perfect day for animal lovers to celebrate the Blessing of Animals.
“Animal blessings have been around for quite a long time in Christian churches and other faith communities,” Reverend Ken Gray, Dan of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kamloops explained. “We’re in what we call the season of creation which lasts from September 1st to October 4th. The 4th of October is Francis Feast Day. We remember [St Francis of Assisi] as one who shared a special relationship with nature and with animals.”
The local blessing service was a cooperative effort between six Kamloops congregations, featuring clergy from each of those churches taking turns leading the proceedings. Kathy Kendall, who helped out with some the details of the ceremony, was there with her dog Murphy. She says the blessing is a chance for pet owners to recognize the special bond they share with their animals.