Lions and tigers and bears — oh my. While Dorothy in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” musical was apprehensive about what animals awaited her in the forest, the Dorothy of 2024 would be happy to discover the Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 4.
In attending the blessing, Toto would be among fellow pets and working animals brought to the local Catholic church by those who care for them.
Celebrated on the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, the gathering and blessing extends God’s initial blessing found in Genesis 1:22 onto the animals.
All community members are welcome to bring their pets and animals to Pope John Paul II Catholic Church to be blessed at 10 a.m on Friday, Oct. 4. The blessing will be held outside at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd. and there is ample parking.
Questions? Contact the parish office at (970) 731-5744.
