St. Matthew's Blessing of the Animals
(Link: Blessing of the Animals 2008)
They’re man’s blessed friends.
Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and even parakeets show up for annual blessing at St. Matthew's

Annual Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis’ Day - Sunday October 4, 2009 - 9:00 AM

St. Francis of Assisi is remembered for many things, not least of which was a love of animals. In honor of St. Francis and in thanksgiving to God for our furry/feathered/finned friends, St. Matthew’s Church hosted a special 9AM outdoor “Blessing of the Animals” in our courtyard on Sunday, October 4. Worshippers brought their friends (whether they had two legs, four legs, eight legs or no legs) for this relaxed service celebrating the wonders of God’s creation.

Madeleine and Michael's poodle-Chihuahua mix, Suki, received a holy blessing from the Rev. Keith Banwart, Jr. on Sunday morning at St. Matthews Church in honor of St. Francis Day. The couple traveled from their home in Las Vegas on Friday for St. Matthew's Church of Glendale and Burbank's annual animal blessing. They mark their calendar every for the church's blessing, making sure not to miss it.

The Glendale NewsPress sent a reporter and photographer to cover the story. Read it here (opens a new window)

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH OF BURBANK/GLENDALE
1920 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201
818-842-3138 www.MatthewChurch.com
Half way between Western & Alameda just east of the Golden State Freeway on Glenoaks Blvd.