This morning, Breakfast Club America hosted John Ashcroft as its speaker. Many of you may remember him as a governor, senator, and most recently the US Attorney General in the Bush administration. It was a great event! You can click here to view all the photos.
This past weekend, Mangiante Photography volunteered it services for the annual Blessing of the Pets and Pet Festival at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in midtown Memphis. Annually, October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St Francis is the patron Saint for the protection of animals. Every year on his feast day (the day of his death in 1226,) many people of faith around the world host services where animals are blessed. These occasions celebrate both Francis’ and God’s compassionate concern for all creatures.
The celebration at the Cathedral began at 10:00 a.m. Ric Chetter from Rock 103 served as MC for the event. The celebration included games and activities for pets and their owners such as a pet wash, nail clipping, pet photos, presentations by a veterinarian, the Memphis Police K-9 unit, an animal safety expert, and information on animal adoptions. Also, a fantastic silent auction was held, all to support to mission and service projects of the Cathedral Campus Youth Ministry (CCYM)!
At noon, a procession of nearly 250 animals processed to the lawn behind the Cathedral for the ceremony. Both parishioners and members of the community gathered on a beautiful day to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Individual blessings were conferred by Fr. Val Handwerker, rector, Fr. Herbert Ene, associate, and Deacons Bill Nourse, Dave Lucchesi, and David Woolley. Each pet and owner received a St. Francis medal for each pet’s collar and individual prayer card.
You can view all the pictures on our website, or visit the Blessing of the Pets website.
