The annual Blessing of Pets will take place Saturday, October 2nd. Deacon Dennis will be blessing all pets at 9:00 am in the ABVM Church Parking Lot. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey. Take this opportunity to bring your animal companion for a special blessing. This blessing affirms that Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.