Several churches in Long Beach will join the annual Interfaith Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 2, at Granada Beach, California.
Interfaith Blessing of the Animals at Granada Beach
During two distinct events that will take place this weekend, members of the church will bless a variety of animals. The first week of October is when, according to tradition, people bless their animals.
This is due to the fact that the celebration of the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is considered to be the patron saint of animals, takes place on Oct. 4 of each year.
It is widely held that Saint Francis was the one who first created a live nativity scene for the celebration of Christmas, complete with animals.
According to the Press Telegram, on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., the St. Gregory's Episcopal Church will be the site of an event in which animals will be blessed. Following a brief service during which prayers ascribed to St. Francis will be recited, individuals' animals will be blessed individually.
The leaders of the church request that all pets be contained within carriers or on leashes, and if owners cannot attend the ceremony in person, images or toys of their pets can stand in their place.
Also, the annual Interfaith Blessing of the Animals will take place on the launch ramp at Granada Beach, located next to Rosie's Dog Beach, at sunset on Sunday, Oct. 2. It is anticipated that more than two hundred animals will converge there.
As per the report, this year's gathering will again be organized by the Haute Dogs group, which is a part of Justin Rudd's Community Action Team.
Animals such as iguanas, turtles, birds, dogs, cats, and even more species have been seen during previous gatherings. Rudd indicated that as of right now, five members of the clergy have agreed to participate.
These churches are pastor Kevin Johnson of Strength Church in Long Beach, Rev. Ava Park of Goddess Temple of Orange County, Rev. Dr. David Clark of Bay Shore Church, Rabbi Michal Loving, Rev. Mark A. Strader of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, and pastor Samuel Nieva of Pueblo de Dios Lutheran Church in Compton.
About St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Long Beach is a community of disciples working toward changing both their own lives and the lives of people around them through the way they worship and try to live their lives.
According to its website, the church is a welcoming and supportive community that includes families, singles, young people, and older people, all dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide.
They are committed to answering God's call upon their lives by working for justice, freedom, and peace. Because of this, nobody is excluded from coming to pray at the altar.
They have a spoken service on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. and a sung service at 10:15 a.m. Also, on Thursday mornings, there are services.
An inclusive church in terms of liturgical and social norms, with a committed community of questionnaires and seekers who never stop probing for God's truth.
