For Immediate Release
October 4, 2017
ARLINGTON, Va. – Today, on the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, adults and school children with their beloved pets in tow will attend the blessing of pets at Blessed Sacrament in Alexandria. Saint Francis, who lived in the 12th century, is the Catholic church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.
More than 300 people are expected to attend the Blessing of the Animals.
Details
When: Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 3 p.m.
Where: Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, 1417 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria
According to the Book of Blessings, the celebrant prays the following prayer during the Blessing of the Animals:
“O God,
you have done all things wisely;
in your goodness you have made us in your image
and given us care over other living things.
Reach out with your right hand
and grant that these animals may serve our needs
and that your bounty in the resources of this life
may move us to seek more confidently
the goal of eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.”