WESTBOROUGH – Radar couldn’t wait to be blessed.
The dog, about 9 years old, howled through much of the Blessing of the Animals service, held on Oct. 1 on the front lawn at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on John Street.
The service commemorates St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order of friars who was known for his love of animals.
Although attendance was small – two other dogs and a box with the cremated remains of a cat – they and their owners took part in the service led by Rev. Mary Rosendale, the priest-in-charge, and Deacon Beth Washburn.
After a brief prayer, each animal received a blessing.
Rosendale promised there would be treats for next year’s service.
Services at St. Stephen’s are held on Sundays at 9 a.m., followed by a coffee hour.
Upcoming programs at the church include its Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, and its Living Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 17. This event will include an Advent Vacation Bible School, “The Miracle of Jesus,” along with a community event for children and families from 3 to 6 p.m.
For information about the church, visit https://www.ststeph.com/ or call 508-366-4134.
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