We celebrated the Bessing of the Animals

Thank you to all who joined us on Saturday, September 30 for a special Blessing of the Animals family service in which we celebrated the feast of Francis of Assisi, his love for the natural world, and especially for animals.

The Guardian’s picture editors selected photo highlights from around the world this weekend, and they featured the The Very Rev’d Peter Wall blessing a hamster during the blessing of animals at Toronto’s St. James Cathedral. Read the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2023/oct/01/alpacas-and-a-giant-heart-the-weekends-best-photos-in-pictures

To see more pictures of the event’s best moments and get to know more news, visit and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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St. Francis of Assisi is key to many stories about the love of the natural world, especially animals. To mark his feast day, it became a tradition for people to bring their pets and animals to be blessed.

Join us on the Cathedral’s West Lawn, on Saturday, September 30 at 10:30am as we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi by taking part in a special service for pets and their friends and family.

All are welcome.
*In case of rain, the service will be held in the Cathedral.

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PET DEMO EVENT *Event subject to weather.
At the conclusion of the Blessing of the Animals Service, we will offer*:

• One Health Partners: Therapy dogs and a miniature therapy horse. @onehealthpartners @ohptherapydogs
• Toronto Dog Moms: Care and first aid. @torontodogmoms
• Pet Valu: Providing treats, essential items, good nutrition, and safety practices. @petvalu
• Pet Spa Toronto: Grooming and nail care.
• The Police Mounted Unit will also be in attendance.