By Lisa Hitchcock
On Friday 13 October, St Francis of the Fields’ school community gathered to celebrate St Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day (October 4) with the Blessing of the Animals. This is always a great occasion in our school year and is a wonderful way to honour our patron saint, St Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day.
Our school community was invited to bring along their much-loved animals to be blessed by our Parish Priest, Fr Andrew Fewings. This is done in memory of St Francis and his love of creation that was expressed in his Canticle of Creatures, an ode to all of God’s living things.
We had very well-behaved dogs, lizards, horses, rabbits, cats, chickens, stick insects, fish and the school’s farm animals that were blessed byFr Andrew. Students were able to bring along photos, drawings and toy animals for those pets that were unable to come along, or have died.
For many of our students, staff and parents, this is their favourite day on the school calendar. It’s an amazing experienceto see our 620 students, their families and teachers having their beloved animals at school for the Blessing of the Animals.
Lisa Hitchcock
Grade 5 Additional Support Teacher
St Francis of the Fields, Strathfieldsaye
