A Blessing of the Animals service was held Sunday at the St. Martin Episcopal Church in Perry, an annual ritual of respect for our fellow creatures.
“This is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the gift of all living beings on Earth, especially our animals,” said the Rev. Don Keeler, pastor of St. Martin’s.
Keeler said the blessing service is customarily held Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, well known for his love for all creatures, but the congregants decided to take advantage of the perfect fall weather on Sunday.
The Blessing service was held in the parking lot next to the church at 10th and Iowa streets and attracted dogs, ponies and several other species of domestic animals.
