Milton pets receive blessing at church

A blessing of the animals service was held at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Milton Oct. 1. Members of Safe Harbor United Church of Christ, Milton, and others joined the Episcopalians in honoring St. Francis of Assisi and receiving a blessing for their four-legged friends. In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi was known for his care of nature and all creatures, so he is recognized as the patron saint of ecology and animals.

Father Tom White of St. John the Baptist and the Rev. Dusty Pruitt of Safe Harbor led the service, with only occasional interjections by the animals. The two clergy members blessed each pet and their humans individually: "[Name of pet], may you be blessed in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May you and [name of owner] enjoy life together and find joy with the God Who created you. Amen."

White was also scheduled to bless horses at a nearby horse farm on St. Francis's actual feast day, Oct. 4. For more information, go to www.saintjohnsmilton.org.