Some of Atmore’s finest furry friends received a special spiritual blessing for the year Thursday evening, at Trinity Episcopal Church’s annual “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony.

The ceremony is held every year near the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is considered the patron saint of animals.
The Rev. Mark W. McDonald was the celebrant for the ceremony, and read a Scripture passage from the Book of Genesis, when God created man and the animals.

“Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world,” McDonald prayed. “May we think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets. We ask you, Lord, that we may be good to our pets always, so that they may be happy also.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, McDonald gently petted each animal and blessed them for good health in the coming year. Each dog also received a treat.