Bottom line: Animals are our companions, our friends, our life support. For all that they are, all that they do, and all that they give, it is appropriate to give them a blessing or two (or ten, or a hundred thousand).

ONE opportunity to do this is to come to the Blessing of the Animals. This event is not unique to Echoes, it is practiced the world over on this particular weekend.

October 4th of every year is officially WORLD ANIMAL DAY. It's on October 4th because this is the day of recognition for St. Francis.

Of all the saints in church history, St. Francis is considered the person who had the most connection and reverence for animals. God cares about animals, about all life. In fact, in the first chapter of Genesis, animals get blessed by God - before humans do.

Blessing animals aligns with the heart of the Creator and continues a vital tradition, as laid forth in Genesis, and exemplified by St Francis. 

Come join us on Oct. 3rd, 3-3:45pm, at the large shelter (also called the North Shelter, near the kids' water playground) at Cornwall Park.

Each individual animal will receive a blessing. No animal/wildlife is excluded. If an animal that you love is unable to come, please feel free to bring a photograph.

Love animals! Love creation! Be blessed! 

Photo by Kristin Rudy