Animals get a blessing

One of the most famous legends surrounding St. Francis of Assisi involves Francis making a deal with a wolf, high in the mountains above a town named Gubbio, that the wolf would no longer bring harm to the townspeople as long as they were to feed him regularly.

St. John’s Episcopal Church held a blessing of the animals Sunday, in celebration of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

“We want to remember St. Francis for his kindness and humility to animals,” The Rev. Marie Butterbaugh said. “And we want to remember our pets who have gone before us, our pets that are here with us now, and what a special part they play in our lives.”

Several dogs, cats, one bright red parrot and those who care for them all received a blessing of holy water and a prayer from the Rev. Butterbaugh.