Annual Blessing of Animals 2022

Traditionally, as we prepare for today’s Transitus and for the October 4th Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, throughout our province ministries, our friars hold a Blessing of the Animals. Here are a few photos from Feast Week’s events:

The friars of St. Francis Friary, who serve in ministry in Syracuse, NY (Assumption Church, Franciscan Place Chapel & Gift Shop at Destiny USA, FrancisCorps, and Syracuse University) gather with the faithful and their pets on the friary lawn, for this year’s blessing. (video)

The Friars and Postulants of our Inter-Province Postulancy (Chicago, IL) started a new tradition in their neighborhood this year; for the first time, hosting the Blessing of Pets. (more photos)

The friars of St. Paul Friary, serving in ministry at ST. Paul Parish (Kensington, CT) gathered with the faithful in the school’s parking lot. (more photos)

Friar Pedro’s 1st Blessing of the Animals at our newest province pastoral ministry, Our Lady of Fatima, in Ludlow, MA, (more photos)

Fr. Joseph Angelini, OFM Conv. (Director & Chaplain), and Melissa Miscevic Bramble (Director of Operations) with the pilgrims of Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site, enjoyed a chilly day of blessing.

Fr. Richard Florek, OFM Conv. (Pastor Emeritus), Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar) and Fr. Bob Benko, OFM Conv. (Pastor) at St. Mark Catholic Church in Boynton Beach for Blessing of Household Pets on Saturday October 1, 2022

Creatures great and small were blessed by our friars serving at UNC Chapel Hill Newman Catholic Student Center Parish (more photos)

On Friday, October 7, 2022, Fr. Vincent Rubino, OFM Conv., pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community, in Burlington, NC, spent a joyous time, blessing the family pets of the parish school’s families this morning, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi week.

To keep up with the events held throughout our province, including photos and more information, follow our province Facebook page, and utilize our “Locations” page on this website, for hyperlinks to our many province ministries. For more information on vocations, email vocations@olaprovince.org.

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