Laguna Beach Church Blesses Animals Of All Kinds In October 2022

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Each year a small episcopal church in Laguna Beach shows its enormous heart for all creatures great and small. St. Mary's Episcopal Church will once again hosts its annual Blessing of the Animals event in honor of St. Francis of Assisi at 10:30 on Sunday, Oct. 9

The Blessing of the Animals is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. during an outdoor Eucharist, and all furry, feathered or scaled creatures are welcomed.

This event is free and open to the entire community, according to the church.

"Everyone is welcome to bring their pets (large and small) for a blessing," according to social media for the church in previous events."You are also welcome to bring photos of pets for we will offer a prayer for pets who have died. The service will end by sharing in the Holy Eucharist."

It is asked that all pets remain on a leash or be crated appropriately during the blessing.

The event celebrates the human-animal bond and originates from a Roman Catholic tradition as part of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. The Blessing of the Animals takes place at many Episcopal churches, like St. Mary's, according to organizers.