2 Churches Plan to Bless Animals
To commemorate the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the earth and animals, two local churches will host blessing of animals ceremonies for local animal lovers.
In addition to the blessings, the Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley also will have presentations on first aid and CPR for pets, and have animals from shelters available for adoption.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd. in North Hollywood, with general blessings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and a memorial service at 1 p.m.
Organizers said owners may bring either their animals or photographs of pets that are aggressive or intimidated easily.
“We want this to be a blessing, not a trauma for the animals who have blessed us,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Pulling, pastor of MCC in the Valley, which was founded in 1973 as an outreach for gays, lesbians and bisexuals in the Valley.
Another blessing of the animals ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 17114 Ventura Blvd., Encino.
Organizers at St. Nicholas said that any animal is welcome to the event, even stuffed animals for those without a furry or feathered friend.
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