If you’re heading to St George’s Anglican Church next Sunday, don’t be surprised if you end up sharing a pew with a dog, a cat or even a budgie or two.

The church is hosting its annual SPCA Blessing of the Animals event on October 12 – and residents are invited to show their love and appreciation for their pet and all animals by joining the ceremony.

St George’s Anglican Church Priest in Charge, the Reverend Debbie Garrett said it’s a chance for families to unite with their pets and creatures – great and small – for the special opportunity to have them blessed.

“The blessing is to celebrate and give thanks for our companion animals and recognise the life of the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi.

“We will also mark World Animal Day, which was on October 4.”

Reverend Debbie Garrett said all pets are welcome, but dogs must be on leads, cats must be in carriers and birds, mice and other small critters need to be in cages. Donkeys and horses must remain in the garden.

“If your pet is not comfortable with other animals, loud noises or crowds, you can bring along a photograph of your pet instead, to be blessed.”

She said Saint Francis was believed to have built bonds of love with all kinds of creatures “but he had a special relationship with birds, which often followed him around and rested on his shoulders, arms or hands as he prayed or walked around outside”.

He famously preached an impromptu sermon to a flock of birds in Italy.

The non-denominational pet blessing service is at 10am on Sunday, October 12, at St George’s Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pā, Tauranga. A collection will be taken for the work of SPCA. Morning tea will be served after the service.

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