At Noon this Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 the people of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Renton will host a Blessing of the Animals in their open air courtyard located at 99 Wells Ave S. in Renton (map below).
The event will include blessings and treats for pets and people. The parish has celebrated the annual Blessing of the Animals for more than a decade, with brief Covid-era pauses.
Bring your dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, tarantulas…all are welcome!
“The blessing of a living creature, according to the theologians, is an affirmation of its value in the sight of God, the acknowledgement of its right to flourish on this earth, and a declaration of a compassionate connection between the one who blesses and the one who is blessed,” reads an announcement. “The act of blessing non-human creatures fosters a spirit of care and responsibility for our fellow creatures, as well as a sense of respect or even reverence.”
About St. Francis’ Connection with Animals
“The custom of blessing animals on St. Francis Day stems from the saint’s own celebrated love for the natural world. In a time when wild animals were primarily seen as monsters or food, and domestic animals were routinely abused, St. Francis treated his fellow creatures as friends, brothers and sisters, and even teachers we could learn from. He lobbied officials to protect them, and urged his neighbors to care for them. He has become the patron saint of the environmental movement.”
More from St. Luke’s
St. Luke Episcopal Church is a vital, intergenerational congregation in the Episcopal religious tradition. We are progressive in thought and spirit and also maintain the time-honored wisdom of our religious ancestry. We are a diverse group whose differences make for a rich community life. We celebrate the love and hospitality of God with genuine welcome and invite all people to make the journey with us into the mystery of divine presence.
Photos
Some photos from previous Blessings of the Animals:
More info about St. Luke’s is available at stlukesrenton.org.
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