MEREDITH ― On Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m., St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church will host a Blessing of Animals. All pets and their families are welcome to attend.
This blessing is a long-standing annual event (over 20 years) as a collaboration among the Meredith Trinity Episcopal, First Congregational Church of Meredith, The Congregational Church of Center Harbor and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Meredith. The event is held on a Sunday in October nearest the feast of St. Francis, who’s considered the patron saint for protection of all animals.
Participants bring their pet(s) to celebrate their life and love. The service includes prayers for: protection of all pets, intercessions for those who are ill, for those who are lost or lonely, for those who are abused or neglected, for zoo animals, for those who have been hurt by hurricanes, earthquakes, war, fires and all natural disasters, for working animals of the world, for those facing extinction, for those in the wild and all farm animals, for those awaiting adoption, those in the wild, those in service of our safety and care; that they may stay safe, healthy and free from harm. There is also a memorial opportunity to remember pets whom we have lost.
The group also welcomes the New Hampshire Humane Society. There is special recognition of those darling animals awaiting their forever homes. Kindly bring a donation: paper towels, unscented bleach, soft catnip toys, pipe cleaners, Kong toys for dogs, crunchy cat treats, creamy peanut butter, dog training treats (chewy or jerky), and of course monetary donations are most appreciated.
Our guests typically are made up of cats and dogs, but we have been honored to have birds, gerbils and teddy bears too. Music is always a part of the service ― and some animals happily join in singing along. All animals who attend receive an individual blessing, a commemorative certificate, a St. Francis prayer card, and a treat. We also invite you to bring a photo of deceased pets for special recognition.
It is encouraged that dogs be leashed and cats in carriers so nobody runs off.
For questions, contact Peg Gavenonis at 603-253-7418.
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