News Summary
Tallahassee will commemorate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi with two community events focused on the Blessing of the Animals. The first event at Mission San Luis on October 4 features local clergy, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for donations to local shelters. The second gathering at St. John’s Episcopal Church on October 5 will also allow pets to receive blessings. These events aim to honor animals and promote their welfare within the community.
Tallahassee will celebrate the beloved Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi this upcoming weekend with two “Blessing of the Animals” events aimed at honoring the patron saint of animals. The community gatherings are set to take place at Mission San Luis and St. John’s Episcopal Church, providing residents and their pets an opportunity for blessings while promoting animal welfare.
Event Details
The first event at Mission San Luis is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year marks the 21st annual Blessing of Animals ceremony at this historic site. Local clergy will be present to bless pets and each participating animal will receive a certificate along with an online photo of the blessing as a keepsake. Admission is free, however, pets must be on leashes or in carriers for safety.
In addition to the blessings, local animal organizations will be in attendance to provide information about their services and community efforts. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of pet food and supplies for local shelters, reinforcing the community spirit of the event.
The event will feature family-friendly activities, including pet-themed crafts for children, making it a fun and engaging outing for families. Living history interpreters will also engage guests in conversations about the history of Mission San Luis, which is Tallahassee’s only National Historic Landmark and is located at 2100 W. Tennessee St. Attendees should note that due to ongoing construction, entry to the event must be made via 2021 Mission Road.
St. John’s Episcopal Church Blessing
The second blessing event will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 5, at 4 p.m. This blessing will take place in Eve’s Garden, where pets are also required to be leashed or crated. Attendees may also opt to bring photos or stuffed animals to participate in the blessing.
Background Context
The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated annually on October 4, honors the life and works of this influential saint, who is known for his love for animals and nature. The “Blessing of the Animals” has become a cherished tradition in various communities, allowing people to express gratitude for their pets and promote the welfare of animals.
Tallahassee residents can also look forward to a variety of other events throughout October. The Downtown GetDown is planned for October 3, the Night Flight event at the Tallahassee Museum will occur on October 6, and a Haunted 5K is set for October 11. These festivities highlight the vibrant community atmosphere and encourage citizen participation in local activities.
As families prepare for the “Blessing of the Animals” events, they are invited to celebrate their pets’ roles in their lives and contribute to local animal welfare initiatives. The gatherings not only serve as blessings but also foster community connections and support for local shelters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tallahassee’s October Events Showcase Culture and Entertainment
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Annual Blessing of the Animals
- The Tallahassee 100: Supermoon Blessing of Animals
- Tallahassee.com: Top 5 Fun Things to Do
- Wikipedia: Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Tallahassee.com: St. John’s Episcopal Church Blessing
- Google Search: Animal Welfare Tallahassee
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
