BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

An Annual Tradition

The Pacific World Real Estate's Official

Each September, students gather in the Grove to celebrate God's love of all creatures. Held on our own SGES campus, students bring animals of all sorts - cats, dogs, fish, horses, goats, turtles - any creature they love as their pet - to be blessed When a pet cannot come to campus, students bring a picture of their pet. This annual service is conducted in remembrance of St Francis of Assisi, who is known for his love of all creatures, as displayed in his "Canticle of the Creatures" The Feast of St Francis is annually held on the Sunday closest to October 4th, and the school celebrates the day in late September.

Each animal is welcomed and affirmed with a special blessing given by Father Kirk LaFon of St George's Episcopal Church in Griffin.