Greetings in Christ!

In honor and celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, we will be hosting the "Blessing of the Animals." Deacon Andrew will bless your animals on Saturday, October 4th @ 10 AM in the Church Courtyard. No snakes, please!

St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. Animals are our companions on earth, whether they be house pets or domesticated livestock - creatures great and small! We receive much from them: comfort and protection, as well as labor, food and clothing. This blessing is not about the created object, it is about us and our use of those objects, for the greater honor and glory of God, as revealed in His creation.

Pope St. John Paul II, in his message on the World Day of Peace: Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all of Creation, shares: 

“It is my hope that the inspiration of Saint Francis will help us to keep ever alive a sense of ‘fraternity’ with all those good and beautiful things which Almighty God has created. And may He remind us of our serious obligation to respect and watch over them with care, in light of that greater and higher fraternity that exists within the human family.” 

Event Location:

St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish
440 E. Elliot Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85234