Pet owners are invited to bring their pets to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury on Friday, October 3 for the annual Blessing of the Animals. RWC Chaplain Davis Smith will conduct the ceremony, which will be held near the Chesapeake Center on the RWC Campus, 132 Lancaster Drive in Irvington. RWC residents and neighbors on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are encouraged to participate in this ecumenical service.
Davis says the ceremony is inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals. “Everyone is welcome at this joyful event. Even if you don’t own a pet but simply love animals, you are most welcome to attend. We want to use this opportunity to celebrate all of God’s creatures,” he says.
Pictured: At the 2013 Blessing of the Animals, RWC Chaplain Davis Smith blesses Fancy, held by owner Cecelia Barton while her husband Kent McCraney waits with Toodles. Enjoying the action are Ginny and Charlie Johnson.
