Blessed are the animals
There may be interesting sights – and sounds – coming from Gordonton’s St Mary’s Church this Sunday as pets of all shapes and sizes attend a special ceremony.
The Blessing of Pets is conducted in remembrance of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
“I really don’t know what animals will turn up, as this is a first for St Mary’s,” says Rev David Smithson.
“I have asked that people bring all sorts – from calves to lambs, to dogs, cats, budgies and ponies.
Some will need to be in cages – probably cats, with dogs on leashes. As for ponies, calves and lambs, I haven’t quite worked that one out yet. Ponies probably will need to stay outside,” he says.
The day in the Christian Calander to remember St Francis is on October 4.
The service starts at 10am on Sunday 6 October and will be not be longer than an hour long – perhaps 30 to 45 minutes.
