Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown will bless dogs, cats and other of God’s creatures at its annual St Francis of Assisi Day service.
The Reverend Bill Beagley said St Francis was the patron saint of nature, animals and the environment.
“Part of his story is that he used to go into the forest and preach to the animals because he believed that all of God’s creatures were equally loved by God,” he said.
“A quote from St Francis himself states: ‘We are all creatures of one family. Those who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity will deal likewise with their fellow man’.”
While the most commonly blessed animals are cats and dogs, Mr Beagley has blessed a tortoise, rabbit and guinea pig.
“The pet is blessed during the service,” he said. “It’s a divine blessing – ‘Be well, go ye’. Dogs, they enjoy themselves.
“And I have never ever once had to clean up after a dog, if you take my meaning – no little ‘Richard the Thirds’ anywhere. It surprises me.”
The St Francis of Assisi Day service will run from 10am on Sunday, October 1, at 2 Pasco Street, Williamstown.
