Blessing of the Animals 2026

Dogs, cats, an axolotl, and even a snake joined us at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound today for the Blessing of the Animals. It was a joyous celebration of the animal friends who bring peace, comfort, and joy to our lives.

Fr. BJ and Rev. Sue led us in a brief prayer service, giving thanks for God’s creation and the special bond we share with our animals. Justin offered “All Creatures Great and Small,” and a few dogs added their own voices, singing along in a chorus that made the gathering all the more joyful.

We closed with the Prayer of St. Francis, a gentle reminder to carry peace and love into the world. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their beloved companions.

Please enjoy the photos from this wonderful celebration in the gallery below!

The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

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