In the car park next to St. Patrick Church, a gathering of Greencastle parishioners assembled with their pets and other animals to mark the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment.

The service was carried out by Fr. Eugene Hasson and the animals were blessed in honour of the Saint’s love for them and all others in the world.

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!

Amen