On the first weekend in October, St. James’ Episcopal Church held its annual “Blessing of the Animals” at its Saturday Beach Mass at Kawaihae Harbor and its Sunday morning service in Waimea.
On the first weekend in October, St. James’ Episcopal Church held its annual “Blessing of the Animals” at its Saturday Beach Mass at Kawaihae Harbor and its Sunday morning service in Waimea.
The service is held every year near the Feast of St. Francis, which falls on Oct. 4. The custom is kept around the world in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.
“The service is always a howling celebration of God’s great and diverse creation,” said the Rev. David Stout.
“While it is the animals we ask for God’s blessings upon, we recognize that we are the ones blessed by their love and companionship.”