Blessing The Pets

Our pets can be our best friends, part of the family, and they are even good for our health These and other aspects of our relationship with animals are celebrated at the Blessing of Pets Service at Nelson Cathedral on Sunday.

Over the past decade the pet service has become an annual highlight of the cathedral calendar. Associate Priest Yvonne McLean says it is a celebration of the life of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, whose feast day is celebrated on October 4th each year.
 
“It’s is a celebration of God’s creation, animals are part of that and it is important for us and for them that we take care of them,” she said. “This is a simple service and a very nice time to bring children to the cathedral – everyone is very welcome.”
 
Rev Yvonne McLean says she finds it very moving to see people who live alone coming along with their animals and seeing just home much they mean to them.
 
In the service there will be an opportunity for the blessing of pets, as well as an opportunity for remembering pets who have died, and their owners. Richmond vet Roger Bay is giving the address at the service.
 
The service is at Nelson Cathedral on Sunday October 3 at 10am.

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