Continuing its tradition of community involvement and engagement, the Ascension St Matthews Church is hosting a ‘Blessing of the Animals’ event on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. Castle Country Radio spoke with Pastor Angela Chacón from the church to learn more.

Chacón first explained what the purpose is behind this event,” the Blessing of the Animals goes back to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is known for being one with nature and of recognizing that our connection as human beings  goes beyond just other human beings, but our connection to nature.” She continued,” So this allows us to gather and recognize the furry companions, or not so furry companions, in our lives. This is an opportunity to come out and recognize this relationship and ask God for a special blessing on our nonhuman companions.

Pastor Chacón also spoke on the importance of community events like this,” We’re trying as best as we can to let people know that we are here and we care … We think that it’s so important to build relationships with all of the people in our community, regardless of their background, ethnicity or religious beliefs. It doesn’t matter. We are all one, as we say, in the body of Christ.”

Leaving a message for the listeners, Chacón shared,” I hope that people will come out and have an opportunity to see what this is all about and enjoy it with us and have this time of celebration as a community.”

The Ascension St. Matthews Church Blessing of the Animals will occur on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. in their building at 522 North Homestead Blvd. in Price. For more information and to stay up to date with Ascension St. Matthews, you can visit the Church’s website here.