College of Saint Mary holding Blessing of the Pets

College of Saint Mary will hold the Blessing of the Pets on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. The 30-minute annual event will be held in the Hixson-Lied Commons.

All household animals and pets are welcome. Dogs and their humans will receive treats, and water will be provided for all. The event is free and open to the public.

The event celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the beauty of the animal kingdom. St. Francis founded the women’s Order of St. Clare, and is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Previous animal companions blessed include cats, dogs, guinea pigs, goldfish and frogs.

CSM Executive Director of Mission Integration Marian Standeven and Carla Gerriets of campus ministry will conduct the blessing of pets and animals, which reinforces our common kinship. Blessing of each animal, by name, means that wellness and life are mediated from God for the benefit of the animal in its relationship with its human partners.

“St. Francis' love and care for creation was a reminder to us that we are responsible for all creation,” says Standeven. “This saint of Assisi offers an example of genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation.”

By Chris Kasel, CSM Media Coordinator