‘Blessing of Animals’ proves alluring

BOARDMAN — For more than an hour this weekend, St. James’ Episcopal Church went to the dogs — along with a few birds and cats.

The church conducted its annual “Blessing of Animals” this afternoon on the front lawn of the Glenwood Avenue church.

Sharyn Fees, communications coordinator for the church, said the church has been blessing animals annually for more than five years. She said the blessing ritual has remained the same, but the date has changed.

“We started doing this around St. Francis of Assisi Day because he is the Patron Saint of Animals, then we moved it to the spring, Rogation Sunday, instead,” said Fees. “There is always a good turnout.”

Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com