Blessing of the Animals
WHAT: Old North Church will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals, a North End tradition that draws people of diverse faiths and backgrounds to honor the animals who bring comfort and companionship to their families. The brief service, held beneath Old North’s steeple, includes prayers for pets who have died, followed by an individual blessing and prayer for health and well-being for each animal in attendance.
Pets should be on a leash or in a carrier. Photos are welcome for pets who do not travel well, as are children’s stuffed animals.
WHO: The Reverend Dr. Matthew P. Cadwell, Vicar of Old North Church, will lead the service.
WHEN: Sunday, October 4, from 1:00 to 2:00pm
WHERE: Paul Revere Mall / The Prado, Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113, across from 21 Unity Street
WHY: The Blessing of the Animals honors St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), revered for his love of nature, who renounced a life of wealth for one of poverty and simplicity and founded the Franciscan religious order on those values. He was canonized in 1228 and is honored across Christian denominations and beyond.
Formerly Christ Church in the City of Boston, Old North Church is home to an active Episcopal congregation committed to Gospel principles of justice and service. The blessing reflects the church’s belief that God is made known in the splendor of creation, and that the unconditional love pets offer their families deserves to be honored with prayer.
