St. John’s To Hold Blessing Of Animals

Don’t be alarmed if you see a menagerie of animals, from dogs and cats to horses and hamsters, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday evening. Creatures of nearly every species and their owners will be celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The feast of St. Francis of Assisi falls on October 4 and is celebrated with animal blessings at Catholic churches around the world. This year, since the day falls on a Sunday, the Blessings of the Animals will be held on Monday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the outdoor plaza at St. John’s.

Father Bob Puhlman, Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church explained the importance of St. Francis of Assisi. “St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, was a Roman Catholic saint who took the gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did,” Puhlman said. “Christians everywhere celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi by having their pets blessed in the spirit of the patron saint of animals and ecology. Through his example, St. Francis reminds us that we are called to bring about justice and peace in our world, to end violence and war, poverty and oppression and to protect our fragile planet.”

Logandale resident, Tasha Gorman, is organizing this event at St. John’s and is excited to be a part of a new tradition. “Blessing of the animals was done at the Catholic school my girls attended in Colorado and it was a neat event,” Gorman said. “As far as I know, it has never been done here in Moapa Valley, and I wanted people and their pets to be able to participate. I’m an animal lover and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi is a day to recognize God’s creation and the many ways that our pets bless our lives.”

Father Puhlman will be on hand to offer the blessing to the animals. Prayer cards and St. Francis of Assisi medals will also be handed out. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening, October 5. All animals should be properly leashed/restrained. Please bring supplies to clean up after your pet.