Our Lady of Malibu celebrated the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi by holding its annual “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday afternoon. Families arrived with their well-behaved dogs and cats for the blessing, ministered by Father Bill Kerze. “St. Francis of Assisi had a deep love for all of God’s creations, particularly the poor,” Kerze explained during the service. Parishioners had the opportunity to introduce their animals to the group, many of which were rescue animals. Tails wagged, there were a few barks and the eager animals were anointed with Holy Water before heading home until next year.
Father Bill Kerze anoints Megan Blake’s dogs Angel and Super Dog Smiley during the “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday.
Brutus the boxer takes a break from charming the other animals and parishioners at OLM.
John Mazza waits with his 10-year-old dog Lola for OLM’s “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday.
Caroline Bertsch, holding Baby before the service began, said “Baby loves everyone.”