Community Missions to hold annual blessing of the animals

Event to support agency’s pet pantry

Community Missions will hold its second annual blessing of the animals from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday morning at 1570 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. 

A press release stated, “All pets in the community – be they furry, feathered, and even scaly – are invited to come and receive a blessing. They can bring their humans along, too, if they want. For those with pets that do not travel well, their humans can also bring a picture or just come themselves and ask for a blessing for their pet.”

At the event, CMI agency minister the Rev. Mark Breese, and friend of Community Missions Rev. John Seib, an Episcopal priest, will offer a brief opening ceremony and prayer, then offer individual blessings to pets from the community. Joanne Lorenzo of Lighthouse Women & Children Center in Niagara Falls will provide music.

“Our event went very well last year, and we're very excited to be able to offer this to pet owners in our community once again,” Breese said. “People who have pets see them as not just animals that they own, but members of their family. They care about them deeply – pets depend upon their humans for everything. Community Missions has long recognized this and have offered support to those who need it through our pet pantry for many years. It only seems right to extend spiritual care to our animal family members through this annual blessing of the animals.”

Community Missions’ long-running pet pantry program provides food, toys and other supplies for pet owners who may not be able to afford them on their own. Donations can be dropped off anytime, and will be accepted during Saturday’s event.

The press release added, “Pet blessings have their origins in the celebration of the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, which occurs in early October each year. Saint Francis recognized the interdependence between animals and humans. Because of this, he taught that humanity has a special duty to live in harmony with the natural world.”

For more information about the event, contact Sarina Deacon at 716-285-3403, ext. 2230, or [email protected].