Mercy Medical Center to Host Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 4

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 Wednesday, Oct. 4. The event is set for 2:30 to 5 p.m. under the covered area outside of Patient Registration at the hospital. Animals must be properly restrained. The event is sponsored by the Spiritual Care Department at Mercy Medical Center.

“We mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October, and his profound love for all types of animals is widely known,” said Rev. Stanley Kim, director of Spiritual Care at 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.”