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Mercy Medical to host a blessing of animals

SPRINGFIELD Handlers and owners of dogs, cats, birds and other pets, as well as service and farm animals, are invited to bring their animals to Mercy Medical Center for the Blessing of the Animals service on Oct. 2. The event is set for 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, on the Mercy campus. In case of rain, the blessings will offered under the covered area outside of Patient Registration at Mercy Medical Center.

The Blessing of the Animals is sponsored by the Spiritual Care Department at Mercy Medical Center. All animals are invited, but they must be properly restrained.

"We mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October, and his profound love for all types of animals is well known," Sr. Madeleine Joy, SP said. "The Blessing of the Animals is meant to give individuals with animals a chance to consider the positive connection they have to our physical and emotional health."