Sunday, October 8th was this year’s “Blessing of the Animals” at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Downingtown, PA. Although the Feast Day for St. Francis of Assisi is always October 4th on the church calendar, the nearly 175-year old Episcopal parish in central Chester County transferred the feast day to October 8th for 2017.
Eight dogs and one cat were on hand to receive a blessing by St. James’ priest, Fr. John Symonds.
Three of the pups were reunited for the first time since the litter of golden retrievers was broken last spring! There was even an assisting celebrant on hand for this year’s liturgy…