Blessing of the Animals Scheduled for Oct. 4 at Mercy Medical Center

SPRINGFIELD — Handlers and owners of dogs, cats, birds, and other pets, as well as service and farm animals, are invited to bring their animals to Mercy Medical Center for the annual Blessing of the Animals service on Thursday, Oct. 4.

The event is set for 2:30 to 5 p.m. under the covered area outside of Patient Registration at Mercy Medical Center. The Blessing of the Animals is sponsored by the Spiritual Care Department at Mercy Medical Center. All animals are invited, but they must be properly restrained.

“We mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October, and his profound love for all types of animals is widely known,” said Bradley Harmon, executive director of Mission Integration, Mercy Medical Center. “The Blessing of the Animals is meant to give individuals with animals a chance to reflect on the positive connection they have to our physical and emotional health.”