4:30 p.m. St. Francis Day Outdoor Liturgy with Animal Blessing

The Blessing of the Animals around the Feast of St Francis of Assisi has long been a beloved annual tradition at Saint Mark’s. Starting last year, this was given its own dedicated liturgy on Saturday afternoon, on the outdoor labyrinth, surrounded by the beauty of the cathedral garden—and this will be offered once again this year. Like last year, the event will include prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth, and for all the creatures who share the earth with us. All are invited to attend, with or without their animal companions. Following current guidelines, attendance will be limited, participants will remain masked and distanced, and advance registration will be required.

For those who do not wish to attend in-person worship at this time, a drive-through animal blessing will be offered earlier in the afternoon, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with no preregistration required.