Local pets receive blessings from Hub City church

JACKSON, Tenn. — One church is making sure that all ‘pawrents’ and fur babies are spiritually aligned.

Ben Williams, rector with Mission Saint James took Friday afternoon to honor Saint Francis, who loved animals, by blessing local pets.

“We want to be a blessing and God calls us to be a blessing to others and we bless one another as human beings. We also believe that our pets are, or the animals, part of God’s kingdom and part of his creation. We want to extend that to those that we are charged with caring for,” said Williams.

October 4 of each year is known as Feast Day. Those that observe can eat Italian food, reflect on the gospel, share the gospel, take care of the world around them or bless the animals.

“Saint Francis is known for a lot of things but one of those things–it’s really cool–he would even be said to preach to the animals. So Saint Francis thought we should be sharing the gospel, sharing God’s blessing with all of creation,” said Williams.

This is the third year for this blessing and there is no limit on what type of animal could receive a blessing.

“Dogs are the most common, we usually do have a few cats. Folks are a little timid to bring cats where there are dogs. In the past I’ve blessed rabbits and even a bearded dragon so any kind of animal that you have,” said Williams.

Williams encourages those without four legs to visit one of their services.

“We are currently meeting at Forest Heights United Methodist Church. On the 27th of October, we’ll be moving over here to Lambuth Memorial on 160 Campbell Avenue. We meet at 4 o’clock in the afternoons and we would love for anyone to show up,” said Williams.

Williams also says there is no limit on how many times an animal can be blessed.

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