At the 2017 Blessing of Pets, Deacon Ron Onslow of Sacred Heart Church led the ceremonial blessing of 20 pets. (Submitted photo)

Dennison, Ohio -Trinity Hospital Twin City invites the public to bring their pets to a special blessing ceremony on Thursday, October 4.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Father Thomas Gardner from the Immaculate Conception Church of Dennison will be blessing pets near the statue of St. Francis, located outside the hospital’s main entrance at 819 N. First Street.

The ceremony will be held rain or shine and is part of the Catholic not-for-profit hospital’s celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated each on October 4 by the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals as well as ecology. He was born in 1181 and died in 1226 at the age of 45. He was a dynamic person who has impacted the world even to this day. His conversion experience led him to a deep love for all God’s creatures, even the animals. He called them his brothers and sisters, from brother wolf to sister rabbit. 

“We invite everyone to bring their pets for this blessing and opportunity to pray for our pets,” shares Jennifer Demuth, hospital marketing coordinator. “Please bring the pets on a leash, in a cage or some contained space, and also bring something for clean-up.”