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4:30 p.m. St. Francis Day Liturgy with Blessing of Animals
October 5, 2019 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
date: Saturday, October 5, 2019
time: 4:30 p.m.
location: Front Lawn (rain location: Cathedral Nave)
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral on Capitol Hill in Seattle will welcome dogs, cats, bird, bunnies, horses, and animals of all kinds to receive a blessing at a special outdoor service in honor of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi on Saturday, October 5 at 4:30 p.m. The event will feature musical contributions by acclaimed Seattle musician James Falzone, and include prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth, and for all the creatures who share the earth with us. All are welcome.
The tradition of blessing animals on the feast day of St. Francis is rooted in the special relationship Francis of Assisi, a medieval Italian ascetic, had with animals and the natural world. For many years, Saint Mark’s has invited pets to come and receive a blessing on a Sunday morning in October, but this year, in the interest of allowing more people to attend, the service has been moved to Saturday afternoon. Stuffed animals are also welcome to be blessed, as are photographs of pets who would not find attending the event a blessed experience. The service will feature readings of scripture and poetry, prayers, hymns, and music, and will occur on the lawn in front of the cathedral, weather permitting.
Renowned Seattle clarinetist, composer, and improviser James Falzone will be offering music for the service. Falzone, who currently serves as Chair of Music at Cornish College of the Arts, works at the intersection of jazz, classical, and world music traditions. He regularly performs throughout North America and Europe, and is an award-winning composer who has been commissioned by ensembles around the globe. He is also a respected educator and scholar who has been on the faculty of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Deep Springs College, North Central College, and was a fellow at The Center for Black Music Research. Learn more about James Falzone and his work at his website: www.allosmusica.org.