© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Animals Receive Blessings at Mission San Luis

Tom Flanigan

Tallahassee's Mission San Luis hosted its yearly Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct. 6. The ritual dates back to St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century.

There was a long line of pets and their people in the Mission's church awaiting their share of divine grace. Mission volunteer Breeann said business was brisk.

"Just in the first hour, we had dogs, cats and a turtle," she recalled.

Jessica and Joe brought their dogs "Spinya" and "Siegfried." Did the blessing seem to make a difference?

"You know, they seem much calmer than they were 10 minutes ago," laughed Jessica.

Meanwhile the Mission walkway was lined with several animal rescue organizations whose homeless dogs and cats were also hoping for a little bit of divine intervention in their search for a forever home.

Follow @flanigan_tom

Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.