Your pets can receive a blessing!
The Blessing of the Animals is a traditional ritual that marks the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and nature-lovers.
All creatures great and small will be welcomed to receive a special blessing at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley. The blessing and prayers will be offered in a short ceremony under the trees in the PEACE parking lot.
We will sing some simple songs that celebrate “all creatures great and small.” Especially, we celebrate the loving God that created us all!
Fish, farm stock, chickens and Chihuahas all are welcome. Humans also may attend, if accompanied by a responsible animal. Please use restraints as appropriate – the humans can be skittish!
This short service will be conducted outdoors, in our parking lot beneath a spreading maple tree. Chairs for the humans and treats for the pets will be provided!
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE if you have any questions, (530) 273-9631.
New tradition at PEACE
At PEACE Lutheran Church, we love our animals and enjoy bringing them for this fun and casual ritual. We celebrate their role as our companions in God’s amazing and sacred creation.
Peace started this event in 2012 and has hosted it for five of the past six years. It honors St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is Oct. 4; he believed all of nature mirrors our Lord.
This free and informal event commemorates the 13th-century rich, Italian playboy who accepted God’s call to empty his life and become an example of love and service to all. Francis believed all nature mirrors the Divine. He wrote a song that included praises for the sun and moon, and he was reputed to preach to birds, whom he called his “sisters.”
LEARN MORE
About the Blessing of the Animals.