Annual Blessing of the Animals by Atonement Friars at Graymoor

GARRISON, N.Y. - Sept. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- The Blessing of the Animals honors the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. A celebration of the Eucharist will take place at the Chapel of Our Lady of Atonement (Pilgrim Hall) at 11:00 am.  At 2:00 pm a procession of animals and their human friends will begin at the Chapel, arriving at the St. Anthony Shrine for brief blessing.  All animals, large and small, must be on leashes, leads or in carriers while on the premises.  Photos of pets unable to be transported can be blessed as well.

Graymoor is located on Route 9 in Garrison, NY, five miles north of Peekskill and thirteen miles south of I-84.  For more information, call the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center at (845) 424-3671, ext. 2111,
e-mail GraymoorCenter@AtonementFriars.org, or visit AtonementFriars.org.  

The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are a Roman Catholic order of brothers and priests founded in 1898 by Fr. Paul Wattson, SA at Graymoor in Garrison.  Since that time, the Friars have worked for reconciliation and healing through “at-one-ment” — the unity of men and women with God and with one another —  so that the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” might be fulfilled.  Through their mission and ministries they serve people of every race, religion, and walk of life. Their social ministries help the poor, the needy, and the homeless; people living with HIV; frail and elderly in hospitals and hospices; those in prison; and people seeking recovery from alcoholism and chemical addictions.  Their ecumenical work makes them leaders of the international movement to heal the divisions within Christianity and among all faiths.  Through their prayers and pastoral ministries, they bring spiritual renewal, unity, harmony, and reconciliation throughout the world and carry the Gospel message to three continents.    Learn more about the works of the Friars at AtonementFriars.org.