Blessing for all creatures great and small

Reverend Bill Beagley blesses dog Zac. Photo: Damjan Janevski

By Goya Dmytryshchak

Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown will bless dogs, cats and all other of God’s creatures at its annual St Francis of Assisi Day service.

Reverend Bill Beagley said St Francis was the patron saint of creation and of all animals.

“So, the church has acknowledged the value and the wonder and the beauty of animals on his particular feast day,” he said.

“People bring their pets and animals to the 10 o’clock service and I move about amongst them during the service and I give each animal a blessing … a blessing of, God loves you too and thank you for giving value to our lives.”

While the most commonly blessed animals are cats and dogs, Reverend Beagley has blessed a tortoise, rabbit, guinea pig and lizard

The St Francis of Assisi Day service is from 10am on Sunday October 7, at 2 Pasco Street, Williamstown.