Five Orangeburg churches will come together at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Butterfly Garden in Edisto Memorial Gardens to administer the annual Blessing of the Animals. The event is open to the public.

The Rev. Garry White of Orangeburg Lutheran Church says the blessing has been a tradition among those denominations with a liturgical tradition.

"On Oct. 4, or on a Sunday before or after, the blessing is held as part of the observance to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi," White said. "The Blessing of the Animals is partly to remember him and partly to affirm the goodness of God's creation."

St. Francis, though born of a wealthy family, renounced his wealth after experiencing an awakening of the Holy Spirit, left his home and spread the Gospel. Other men and women began to follow his example.

Part of St. Francis' example was the understanding that animals, especially household pets and farm animals, are creatures of God that need and deserve love, protection and care.

Other churches participating in the blessing are St. Paul's and St. Andrews United Methodist churches, Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

The Rev. Dr. Frank Larisey of Orangeburg's Episcopal Church of the Redeemer says the blessing, performed through a laying on of hands or the sprinkling of holy water, serves at least two purposes in Scripture.

"We give thanks to God for the animals and, most importantly, set the animal aside for God's use," Larisey said. "During this event, we also bless the people, too."

Last year, the Blessing of the Animals was held at each individual church. White says it was decided that the spiritual cooperation among local churches this year should extend to the animal blessing.

"I've done this every year at other churches where I've been," White said. "There will be a brief worship service followed by the clergy from each church stationed at various spots around the garden. People can bring their animals to whomever they wish to do the blessing.

"Although it usually involves household pets, I've actually seen rabbits, reptiles and even a farm animal."

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