READING, Pa. – Alvernia University is putting the spotlight on dogs, cats, and other four-legged friends.
The catholic Franciscan school in Reading held a “blessing of the animals” on the quad today.
Students, staff, and other members of the community were invited to bring their pets on campus to get blessed.
The ceremony honors Saint Francis of Assisi — Alvernia’s patron saint — who is also the patron saint of animals.
One of the sisters tells us Saint Francis celebrated all creation as holy.
“…and by identifying creation in a relational way, we’re not stewards; we’re there to care for and care with creation, and Francis emphasized that,” said sister Marie Cacciatore.
The event comes ahead of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’ Feast Day, which is celebrated every year on October 4th.