The public is invited to bring a pet, service animal, foster or any animal companion to Immanuel's outdoor chapel on Saturday, October 5. All animals and their human companions will be individually prayed for following a brief opening service which will seek God’s blessings on the creatures of the world. 

The Bob Allen Memorial Chapel offers limited fixed seating and individuals are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Each animal should be under leash control or in a carrier. For more details call 850.837.6324 or email Deacon Jon Bryan at jon.iacdestin@gmail.com.

Religious events to bless animals have a long tradition worldwide of being held in early October near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi who is considered a patron of animals.

"The Blessing of the Animals event celebrates and blesses the animals who are such a vital source of comfort in our lives," Deacon Jon said. “The service will hopefully inspire a sense of fellowship with all living things, especially our brothers the animals, because God gave the Earth to them as their home in common with us.”