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Blessing of the animals on Sunday — stuffed ones, too

St. Peter in Chains plans ceremony in honor of feast day for St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

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By Hannah Poturalski, Staff Writer Updated 7:15 AM Thursday, September 30, 2010

HAMILTON — One local church is opening its door to your pets — well, at least for an hour.

In conjunction with the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, 382 Liberty Ave., is holding a Blessings of Animals at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.

Theresa Valerius, coordinator of religious education at the church, said all pets are welcome, from hamsters to horses.

“We did this four years ago and had around 20 to 30 animals,” Valerius said.

The short prayer service and blessing will take place behind the St. Peter in Chains School.

“It’s to honor his (St. Francis of Assisi) feast day as he was the patron saint of animals,” Valerius said. “He’s a pretty popular saint on the church calendar.”

Valerius said the event is occurring again this year at the excitement of new pastor the Rev. Ronald Haft, who held similar events at his previous church. She said even kindergarten students are encouraged to bring their stuffed animals to be blessed.

The event is open to all residents and their pets.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179  or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.

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