Church of the Apostles Annual Blessing of the Animals

COPPELL, Texas - Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- During the fall, a procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Francis of Assisi loved the larks flying about his hilltop town, and he was noted for his deep love of animals.

Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat!

There are today over 62 million cats in the U.S. and this attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We've even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln’s Fido to Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, named Him and Her.

The bond between pet and its owner is like no other relationship, No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

The event is always free to the public and their pets. Along with dogs and cats all animals big and small are invited.

The Rev. Tim Cherry looks forward to seeing everyone at 5:30 PM on Saturday, September 29, 2013 at the Church of the Apostles located at 322 S MacArthur Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019 to celebrate the new Coppell Dog Park and to bless each and every animal companion.