In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, Stritch will hold a colorful Blessing of the Animals at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. The ceremony will take place in Heritage Park on the east side of campus.

The Blessing of the Animals is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to join Stritch faculty, staff, and students for this festive annual event. 

Companion animals of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Dogs must be leashed, and cats and other small animals should be brought in a cage or pet carrier.

Father Jim Gannon, Stritch's campus priest, will officiate. Father Jim is a member of the Order of Friars Minor, which St. Francis founded in 1209. Known as the patron saint of animals, Francis championed respect for all of creation. That value is one of several that are integral to Stritch, which is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.

Ample free parking is available in lots 3 and 7. To view a map of campus and the location of Heritage Park, please visit www.stritch.edu/maps .