Beaches Episcopal School students, parents and pets came together Thursday, Oct. 5 at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church to celebrate its annual "Blessing of the Pets" tradition.
From dogs to snakes to chickens, families brought fuzzy, furry and slithery animals from home to be blessed by Rev. Louanne Loch, rector of St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, and other vestry members of the church.
The Blessing of the Pets is a tradition held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is located at 465 11th Ave. North in Jacksonville Beach.
