Redeemer celebrates animals with blessings

Church of the Redeemer invites congregation to bring pets for blessings.

  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 10:28 p.m. October 4, 2015
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Four-legged friends and their humans gathered on the front patio of Church of the Redeemer Sunday afternoon for the annual Feast of St. Francis Blessing of the Animals. 

Members of the congregation joined together in song while their animal howled along. A break in the service allowed each animal to have an individual blessing. 

Rick Marsden blesses Milo and Pongo.
Rick Marsden blesses Milo and Pongo.
Avery Marx with corgi Bing.
Avery Marx with corgi Bing.
Donna Greve and her pooch Gizmo.
Donna Greve and her pooch Gizmo.
Gizmo is a Chinese crested dog.
Gizmo is a Chinese crested dog.
Heather Gillon and her cat Winston.
Heather Gillon and her cat Winston.
Janice Belcher and Kizzy have their photo taken.
Janice Belcher and Kizzy have their photo taken.
Marika and Dean Brennerman with Ralphy.
Marika and Dean Brennerman with Ralphy.
Guests gathered on the front patio of Church of the Redeemer for the Animal Blessing ceremony.
Guests gathered on the front patio of Church of the Redeemer for the Animal Blessing ceremony.
Scotty takes a look at the crowd while Christine Sporrer follows along with the service.
Scotty takes a look at the crowd while Christine Sporrer follows along with the service.
Violet Marx with Neubee.
Violet Marx with Neubee.
Conner Shoemaker holds Bella during the Animal Blessing service.
Conner Shoemaker holds Bella during the Animal Blessing service.

 

Latest News

Bravo's Pizzeria & Italian Eatery at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota has closed.
  • March 31, 2026
Pizzeria closes on Main Street in Sarasota
From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts
The Coquina Beach parking lot has dozens of free spots for beachgoers. There were plenty of open spaces Monday, March 30 as rain began to fall.
  • March 31, 2026
Paid parking considered on Anna Maria Island

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content