The blessing of the animals is a time-honored tradition in several Christian denominations.
Oct. 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. And area churches have marked the day by having their congregants bring their animals to church for the blessing.
The annual event took place Saturday at Augusta’s Church of the Good Shepherd, where the Rev. Ted Clarkson blessed the beasts.
The Rev. Ted Clarkson of the Church of the Good Shepard talks about the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and to honor the animals who share our lives at the Blessing of the Beasts on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. Photo by Mike Adams.The Rev. Ted Clarkson of the Church of the Good Shepard, right, blesses Karen Oliver’s golden retriever Clyde at the Blessing of the Beasts at The Church of the Good Shepard on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. Photo by Mike Adams.
Rev. Ted Clarkson blesses the animals at The Church of the Good Shepard on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. Photo by Mike Adams. Time for fellowship before the Blessing of the Beasts service starts at The Church of the Good Shepard on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. Photo by Mike Adams.
This beautiful dog wears her Sunday best as she waits her turn for The Rev. Ted Clarkson to bless her at the Blessing of the Beasts service at the Church of the Good Shepard on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. Photo by Mike Adams.
Mike Adams is a Georgia Press Association award winning photographer for The Augusta Press.
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