Photo by PoPville flickr user washingtonydc
From emails:
“Dogs, cats and other pets (plus people) will crowd the Franciscan Monastery’s gardens for the traditional blessing of the animals to mark the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals:
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
2:30 p.m.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land (upper gardens)
1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Franciscan friars, dressed in their traditional brown habit, will pray and sprinkle holy water over the animals. Each pet will receive a St. Francis dog tag. Veterinarians from the DC Veterinary Medical Association will be on hand for free consultations before and after the blessing.
The blessing is free. All pets and people welcome.”
and
“We are pleased to host the Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 5 at 5pm. at Luther Place Memorial Church on Thomas Circle. We gather in front of the St Francis Mural for some music, reflection and blessing for creatures and their human companions!”
and
Blessing of the Animals, St. Paul’s at 25th and K