The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Oct. 5, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
The event, scheduled for the church’s front lawn at 61 Poplar St., invites pet owners to bring their “furry, feathered, or scaled friends” for blessings. Those unable to bring their pets in person are welcome to bring photographs instead.
The ceremony will take place outdoors to accommodate those with allergies, as animals are not permitted inside the church or Guild Hall. Organizers ask attendees to clean up after their pets during the event.
The Blessing of the Animals is a traditional observance in many Christian denominations, often held around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
For more information about the event, contact the church through their website at saintjohns-newport.org.
The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist is located at 61 Poplar St. in Newport.
