NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - Community Missions will hold its Third Annual Blessing of the Animals on the morning of Saturday, September 28^th, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at its main site, 1570 Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls.

All pets in the community, be they furry, feathered, and even scaly are invited to come and receive a blessing—they can bring their humans along too if they want. For those with pets that do not travel well, their humans can also bring a picture or just come themselves and ask for a blessing for their pet. 

At the event, Rev. Mark Breese (CMI Agency Minister), Friend of the Mission Rev. John Seib (an Episcopal priest), and other local clergy will offer a brief opening ceremony and prayer, and then offer individual blessings to pets from the community.

“It has been wonderful to hold this event over the past two years, and we are excited to provide this service to the community once again,” said Rev. Mark Breese. “Pet owners cherish the relationships with their animals, and Community Missions recognizes those bonds. Through our Pet Pantry, community residents [in need] can receive the supplies that they need to care for their pets. Our Annual Blessing of the Animals not only shines a light on our Pet Pantry, but also honors this sacred bond that owners share with their pets.”

The event is an opportunity to publicize, and generate donations for, Community Missions’ long-running Pet Pantry. This program provides food, toys, and other supplies for pet owners that may not be able to afford them on their own. Donations can be dropped off anytime, and will be accepted during Saturday’s event.

Pet blessings have their origins in the celebration of the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, which occurs in early October each year. Saint Francis recognized the interdependence between animals and humans. Because of this, he taught that humanity has a special duty to live in harmony with the natural world.

For more information about the event, please contact Sarina O'Malley at 285-3403, ext. 2230 or sromalley@communitymissions.org.