As in past years, there will be an ecumenical blessing of animals and pets at The Christmas Circle on Saturday, October 14 at 10 a.m.

It is “ecumenical,” because it is sponsored by the Borrego Ministers Association,(BMA) which brings together clergy and laity from a number of Borrego congregations: Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Latter Day Saints, Lutheran, Self Realization Fellowship, as well as other community members committed to helping their neighbors in need.

The BMA also sponsors community-wide services on Thanksgiving Eve, in the Christmas Season, ashes-to-go on Ash Wednesday and the Community Easter Sunrise Service.

The blessings of animals is linked to the October 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century spiritual visionary who gathers communities of sisters and brothers to be in constant prayer and service to their neighbors. Francis is also the patron saint of those who treasure and want to protect the natural world that is out home. And his is well known for his close relationship with animals, having persuaded a wolf to to terrorizes farmers and shepherds, also singing the praise of God’s creatures in beautiful hymns.

Bring your pet or other animals to the Circle where clergy from several of the Borrego churches will lead prayers of thanksgiving for them and bless the. In the past cats, dogs, even a desert tortoise have been brought to the blessing.