St. Francis of Assisi may have been Catholic, but Anglicans have also done a decent job of showing compassion for the planet's non-human inhabitants, the local Anglican pastor says.
Anglicans, what's more, also celebrate St. Francis Day, and this year they're teaming up with the local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for an event to mark the occasion.
On Friday (Oct. 4) at St. John's Anglican Church, organizers of "We Let the Dogs In," Rev. William Roberts will offer a service that includes a blessing for canine companions. For $25 per dog and owner, those in attendance can take in the special service at 6 p.m. Starting at 7, canine guests will be offered "gourmet" doggie dinner treats while human companions will be offered German bratwurst and hot dogs. Proceeds will go to the Squamish branch of the SPCA.
"St. Francis is the patron saint of all living things. Churches normally do some sort of blessing for animals, so I thought, 'Why not do it for dogs and turn it into a bit of a fundraiser?" Roberts said, adding that Rev. Arthur Broome, an Anglican, is credited as one of the founders of the SPCA.
For tickets or more information, visit www.stjohnssquamish.ca
