From Bishop Rob: "The tradition of blessing animals has grown in recent years to honor the witness of St. Francis, whose feast day falls on Oct. 4. It has been a way of celebrating God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of the universe and all that dwell therein. Attributed to Saint Francis is the famous prayer beginning, 'Lord, make us instruments of peace.' This year the Blessing of the Animals takes on a new, even prophetic, meaning in the wake of the recent abhorrent escalation of language against those who have come to our country from Haiti in Springfield, Ohio and elsewhere. Those gathered will join a fellow disciple of Christ in Father Jean—born and raised in Haiti—who will lead us in the blessing of dogs, cats, any other kinds of pets or animals, and all of us who are present. Our gathering of blessing, instead of cursing, can be seen as an act of resistance to a culture that is fomenting violence of thought, speech, and action."

Read Bishop Rob's entire invitation and message here.