St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Brecksville hosted its annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 6th. The church pews were filled with a variety of furry friends, including dogs, cats, and even a chinchilla, all eagerly awaiting a special blessing.
Reverend Stephanie Pace and Deacon Dave McBee presided over the service, offering individual blessings to each pet. The event was a heartwarming celebration of the bond between humans and animals. As a token of the occasion, each pet received a commemorative tag to wear on their collar.
The Blessing of the Animals is a longstanding tradition in the Episcopal Church, held in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. It provides an opportunity for pet owners to express gratitude for their beloved companions and seek a blessing for their well-being.
We were absolutely thrilled to share this special moment with our community. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and the wagging tails of our four-legged friends was truly heartwarming. This cherished tradition not only strengthens our connection with our pets but also reminds us of the joy and love they bring into our lives every day. We are already looking forward to next year’s Blessing of the Animals and the opportunity to once again come together in celebration and gratitude.
One more thing… pet owners, be sure to email me at cathy.ld97@gmail.com to receive the photos we took of you together.
