In honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of the Lake Health is hosting its annual pet blessing for the community and their animals on Oct. 9. The public is invited to bring their pets and families to this celebration of St. Francis’ love for all of God’s creation. All pets are welcome to attend and receive a blessing.
St. Francis is the patron saint of nature, animals, and of Our Lady of the Lake Health’s founders, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. The blessing of animals is a tradition that originated in the 13th century in remembrance of St. Francis, who believed all animals should be treated with dignity and respect.
The community is invited to attend one of the following blessings around the Baton Rouge area on October 9:
Ascension: 1125 W. Highway 30, Gonzales
Blessing will be performed at 2 p.m.
Assumption: 135 Hwy. 402, Napoleonville
Blessing will be performed at 12 p.m.
Baton Rouge: Perkins Surgery Center - 9032 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge
Blessing will be performed at 2 p.m.
All pets must be leashed or secured.