Jacksonville, Fla. – Several parishes in the Diocese of St. Augustine will celebrate the annual Blessing of the Animals, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, on Oct. 3 and 4.

All creatures – big and small, furry and feathered, are welcomed to receive the ceremonial blessing, and most churches require pets to be on a leash and/or caged.  

St. Francis of Assisi of Italy founded the Franciscan Order. He was known for his love and care for all creation. He often preached of taking care of “all good and beautiful things which God created.”   

The following list of Parishes will offer a Blessing of the Animals:

• Blessed Trinity Parish, 10472 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Oct. 3, at 8 a.m., on the school grounds, and Oct. 4, at 9 a.m., at the parish parking lot.   
• St. Ambrose Parish, 6070 Church Road, Elkton, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m.
• Holy Spirit Parish, 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., at the entrance to the church.
• San Sebastian Parish, 1112 State Road 16, St. Augustine, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., on the church grounds. The parish is requesting a pet food donation to benefit the St. Johns County Adoption and Holding Center.
• Santa Maria del Mar Parish, 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., in front of the church.   
• St. Luke Parish, 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, Oct. 4, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass (approximately at 9 a.m.), on the church grounds.
• St. John the Baptist Parish, 2725 S. Hwy. 17, Crescent City, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., on the church grounds.   
• St. Anastasia Parish, 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., at the entrance to the church.
• Holy Faith Parish, 747 NW 43^rd Street, Gainesville, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the outside patio of the church. Animal treats will be provided for pets and cookies for all others.
• Queen of Peace Parish, 10900 SW 24^th Ave., Gainesville, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., in front of the church.
• Holy Family Parish, 17353 NE Hwy. 27 Alt, Williston, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., on the church grounds.
• St. Benedict the Moor Mission, 86 Martin Luther King Ave., St. Augustine, from 3:30 to 4 p.m., on the church grounds.
• Holy Family Parish, 9800 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Oct. 4, at 3:30 p.m., on the church grounds.
• Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 8523 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., under the big oak tree on the church grounds.
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Oct. 4, after the 8:30 a.m. Mass (approximately at 9 a.m.), in front of the church.
• St. Michael Parish, 505 Broome Street, Fernandina Beach, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., on the church grounds.
• St. Paul Parish, 2609 Park Street, Jacksonville, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., near the fountain.
• Sacred Heart Parish, 5752 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m., in front of the church.
• Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, 9401 Staples Mill Dr., Jacksonville, Oct. 12, at 12:30 p.m., on the westside of the church grounds.

*For news media interested in covering the Blessing of Animals, please let me know so I can make arrangements with the priest so they know you are coming.