KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Calling all pet lovers! The Washington Memorial Chapel is rolling out the red carpet for tails, paws, wings, and whiskers at its annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4, from 3 to 4:30 PM on the Chapel grounds. This beloved tradition honors St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and nature, celebrating the bond between humans and all of God’s creatures.
The afternoon kicks off with a warm welcome and introduction from Johanna Reck, Vestry Parish Life & Welcome Committee of WMC,and Father Tommy Thompson followed by a brief service. Father Tommy will, then, personally bless each animal and present a commemorative certificate of blessing. Guests are invited to also bring photos of pets or cremains to be blessed. Hundreds of animals have been blessed in the past, including dogs, cats, horses, birds and lizards.
Blessing of the Animals Timeline:
- 3:00 Welcome and Introduction
- 3:10 Service Begins
- 3:20 (approximately) Blessing Begins
The following organizations will attend the event and will disseminate information to guests:
- Canine Partners for Life – A Chester County nonprofit that breeds, raises, trains, and connects service animals with people who need support in their everyday lives. This is their first time at the Chapel’s Blessing of the Animals.
- Valley Forge Park Alliance – An independent nonprofit organization that supports Valley Forge National Historical Park by creating programs that facilitate education, volunteering, and exploring the park.
- The Valley Forge National Park Rangers – National Park Service rangers at Valley Forge and across the nation are part of a global community of rangers working to ensure the protection and the public’s enjoyment of the world’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. They will be bringing information about their Bark in the Park Program.
- The Cub Scouts Pack 51 – Cub Scouts aims to teach boys and girls Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, and Leadership through projects and activities. They will be hosting a fundraiser and selling popcorn to support their pack.
The Washington Memorial Chapel is located at 2000 Valley Forge Park Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
To learn more about the Washington Memorial Chapel, or to schedule a tour visit http://wmchapel.org and http://wmchapel.org/heritage/to learn more about the restoration campaign.
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