Lower School Blessing of the Animals Celebration

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It didn't rain on Friday October 6, yet the CCES campus was flooded with cats and dogs. Canines and felines were the most densely represented at the Blessing of the Animals, but there were also turtles, hamsters, even worms.

One of the most popular visiting animals was a baby goat,

although the chicken in a box attracted a lot of interest.

The annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi began with a special service in the Lower School
Commons and was followed by a procession to the front of the chapel.

Pets and parents were ready and waiting outdoors for their special part of the service.

The students were excited to see their beloved family pets at school and to introduce them to their classmates.

Senior Chaplain Richard Grimball, along with chaplains Joe Britt and Valerie Riddle, had their hands full with long lines of pets waiting to receive a blessing.

Those who either don't have a pet, or were not able to bring one, also participated, offering either a photo

or a favorite stuffed animal for a blessing.

Honoring the spirit of St. Francis, the students collected dog beds, blankets, bowls, chew toys and bones for the Augusta Road Pet Hotel, which helps find homes for abandoned dogs.

For additional photos from the Blessing of the Animals, please click here.