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September 28, 2005, TORONTO – The annual The Blessing of Animals is occurring this Saturday at 11 AM at The Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto (King and Church Streets). The Blessing of Animals takes place each year around the world in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, Founder of the Franciscan Order and Patron Saint of animals and the environment. St. Francis preached about gentleness and poverty and had a love of animals and nature.
People are invited to bring their animal companions for a blessing by The Rt. Rev. George Elliot, Area Bishop of York-Simcoe, Diocese of Toronto. If an animal companion cannot attend, people are encouraged to bring a photo of their "best friend."
Once again The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) will be participating in this important service with the charity's Executive Director, Michael O'Sullivan, reading from the book of Genesis.
"Animals are such an important part of our lives that it is only fitting that we celebrate them with The Blessing of Animals," says O'Sullivan.
Contact Information:
Where: The Cathedral Church of St. James (65 Church Street at King – Toronto)
When: Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 11 AM
For More Info: Contact The Humane Society of Canada at (800)-641-5463 or The Cathedral Church of St. James (416) 364-7865 ext. 223 www.stjamescathedral.on.ca
CONTACT: Al Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has 6 grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has worked across Canada and in over 90 countries during the last 35 years helping people, animals and nature.]
The Humane Society of Canada works to protect dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. We carry out hands on programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, fund non-invasive scientific research, support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to help animals and nature through humane education. |
