Blessing of Animals October 2

On Oct. 4, people all over the world celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, and his life of love and service is followed by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the founding institute of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). 
 
HSHS St. John’s Hospital will host a pet blessing on Sunday, October 2 at 1 p.m. in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  
 
Father Callistus, St. John’s priest chaplain, will perform the blessing during a brief ceremony. The service will take place on St. John’s pavilion lawn, 301 N. Eighth Street, Springfield, Ill. Pets of all kinds – and their people – are welcome. All pets must be properly restrained, and owners must clean up after their pets. The event is free and open to the public.  
 
The pavilion lawn is located on the south side of the St. John’s Hospital campus and is accessible from Madison Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets. Turn left from Madison into the circle drive for public parking access.