On Monday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m., bring your furry (or scaly) friends to St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill (Second at C St. SE) , for a blessing of the animals on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.
The founder of multiple orders in 13th century Italy, St. Francis is known for his love of nature and animals. According to legend, Francis struck a bargin with a wolf who had been terrorizing a small town, making an agreement that if the townspeople would feed the animal, the wolf would no longer terrorize the people or their livestock.
Pope John Paul II declared Francis the patron saint of ecology in 1979. Three years later, the PopeI wrote that Francis’ love and care for creation was a challenge for contemporary Catholics and a reminder “not to behave like dissident predators where nature is concerned, but to assume responsibility for it, taking all care so that everything stays healthy and integrated, so as to offer a welcoming and friendly environment even to those who succeed us.”
The blessing takes place in the rectory yard behind the church. Enter from Second Street, SE. All pets are welcome but must be leashed or contained.
Learn more about St. Peter’s of Capitol Hill by visiting saintpetersdc.org
