All creatures, great and small, are invited to make the pilgrimage to St. Joseph Catholic Church for a special Blessing of the Pets at 3 p.m. Oct. 6.

Associate Pastor Father John Maksym will perform the blessings on the front lawn of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 715 N. Lapeer Rd.

The blessing is to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4 and is a way to honor the saint’s memory and good works.

Pet dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and even “stuffed” pets can receive a splash of holy water and a blessing.

St. Francis, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181, lived in Italy until his death in 1226. He was the founder of the Franciscan Order. Many remember St. Francis for the great love, compassion and kindness he showed toward animals. – J.N.