Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

6th Annual Blessing of the Animals & St. Francis of Assisi

Q: How is St. Francis linked to the "blessing of the animals?"

A: Born in Assisi, Italy in 1182 to an affluent family, he later renounced his wealth to serve the poor. In 1210 he founded the order of monks known as Franciscans. St. Francis is one of the most popular and admired of all saints. He acknowledged the spirit of God in all creatures and nature, and legend has it that when he preached - bird and animals gathered to listen. The animals that share our households are part of our families and bless us in ways we cannot begin to name. A blessing of the animals gives us the chance to celebrate the feast of St. Francis and to express our gratitude both to the animals in our care and to God for the gift of animals. So we invite you to please join us for the......

6TH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

- Sunday afternoon, October 8th, 2006 at 3:00 pm on the lawn of Our Savior Episcopal Church, Trenton, SC . (The church is located off of Hwy. 121 on Church St.)

- Bring your pets on leashes or in crates. Stuffed animals are eligible for blessing! Bring a lawn chair and expect barking, howling, hissing....in all, great fun for the animals which bring us so much enjoyment.

- Treats will be served for the creatures and owners. An offering to benefit our local pet rescue and adoption organization “All God’s Creatures” will be taken. All pets and owners are welcome.