The St. Francis of Assisi blessing of the animals is a joyous occasion at the Church of the Apostles each year. Father Tim blessed beautiful dogs and a fish,
This custom remembers Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures and has instituted the yearly Blessing in remembrance of him. St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. Among many attributes, St Francis maintained a special connection to animals along with his vow of poverty.
Francis of Assisi was born in 1182, the son of a prosperous merchant. He decided to embrace a life devoted to Poverty, despite his father’s intense opposition, Francis totally renounced all material values and devoted himself to serving the poor.