Blessing of the Animals at the Advent Lutheran Church

For more information about the Blessing of the Animals or the ministries of Advent Lutheran Church in Suntree and Melbourne Beach, call 321-259-8515 or visit www.AdventBrevard.org.

Dogs. Cats. Hamsters. Goldfish. Even iguanas and boa constrictors–Pastor David Jahn has blessed them all.  Assisted by Pastor Jeremy Freye, Jahn will once again perform the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 AM to Noon in the courtyard of Advent Lutheran Church, at 7550 N. Wickham Road in Suntree.  At the same time, Pastor Rick Funk will be blessing the creatures brought to the church’s beachside campus at 1805 Oak Street, Melbourne Beach. The tradition of the Blessing of the Animals is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in the 12th century and is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Many churches in the United States hold a blessing for animals on or around the Feast of St Francis, because of his love for the wonders of creation.  He is often portrayed with a bird in his hand.  Pet owners are asked to please bring dogs on a leash and to hold smaller animals while awaiting the blessing.  Animals of all kinds are welcome.

Pastor Jahn knows that pets can be a source of unconditional love in the lives of their owners.

“Our pets hold a special place in our hearts,” says Pastor Jahn.  “They are members of our family and fellow creatures of God.  Saint Francis called them his brothers and sisters and as we give and receive the love of our pets, we are reminded of our common relationship to our Creator.”