20
Gulf Pine Catholic
•
October 10, 2014
Nativity School
celebrates
Feast of St.
Francis with pet
blessing
Although rain moved festivities indoors, it didn’t put
a damper on the spirits of those who participated in
Nativity BVM Elementary School’s annual Blessing
of the Pets, which coincided with the Oct. 4 Feast of
St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. It certainly
didn’t seem to bother the numerous dogs and cats, whose
owners brought them to the school’s gymnasium to be
blessed by Father Adam Urbaniak, parochial vicar of
Nativity BVM Cathedral. “Animals have been very
important in the history of salvation,” Father Adam told
the students, as they held tight to their animals, both real
and stuffed. “They are a gift from God to us humans so
that we may enjoy life and the gift of creation. Because
our animals are so important to us and our families, we
bring them to God and ask God to bless them.” Father
Adam, pictured in front of a painting of St. Francis of
Assisi, told the children that it’s a wonderful thing to
have a pet but said it’s important for pet owners to take
care of their pets.” Father Adam and Nativity principal
Sister Mary Jo Mike, OSF, are pictured cozying up to a
cat of unknown origins.
Photos/Terry Dickson
