Blessing of Pets Service

Blessing of Pets Service

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 last five years the pet service has become an annual highlight of the cathedral calendar. Priest Assistant 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.

“St Francis loved all of creation and it is a time to celebrate this love and acceptance,” she said. “This is an important part of the Christian in fact one of the aims of the Society of St Frances is to spread love and harmony.”

In the service there will be an opportunity for the blessing of pets, as well as an opportunity for remembering together pets who have died, and their owners. Richmond Vet Roger Bay is giving the address and the SPCA will also be taking part.

“It's a wonderful occasion for all the community to celebrate together the joy and love that their pets bring them, and absolutely everyone is invited,” Yvonne said.

Dean Charles Tyrrell will take the service, assisted by Reverend Allen Michel and Yvonne McLean.

The service is at Nelson Cathedral on Sunday October 7 at 10am.

ENDS

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