The annual Blessing of the Animals was held Sept. 28 at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Grace Han welcoming families and their pets from across the region.

“We host this at Trinity Church as a recognition that the animals that bless our families and our homes are very much a part of who we are and who our families are,” Han said. “They're the loyal companions that live with us every day, that give us support when we are down, that agree with us and laugh with us, and that have been a support for us.”

The annual event is held in memory of Saint Francis of Assisi. Known for his patronage of animals, churches around the world hold ceremonies blessing animals on recognition of his feast day in early October.

“I remember during the COVID season so many people talking about how their animals became such an integral part of their lives,” Han said. “We couldn't physically connect with others so our animals were the ways that we were able to connect. We think it's important to offer a blessing in recognizing the importance of pets in our lives.”

Han said a prayer prior to offering individual blessings with attendees. All pets were welcome and photos of pets unable to attend were included in the ceremony that included certificates for each of the blessed animals.