Blessing of the Animals
![A graphic with an image on the left and a dark blue background on the right. The image shows a large black and white spotted dog sitting on a patch of green grass, with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. The dog is wearing a yellow and white bandana. In the background, a large group of people are standing and sitting on chairs. The text on the right side of the graphic reads: "Blessing of The Animals" and "Duke University Chapel." Below the text is the Duke University Chapel logo.](/images/2025/20251005/a3d75aa3d7bd1229bf64b08879236093-CR-BlessingAnimalsCalendar_20250818010707PM.jpg "A graphic with an image on the left and a dark blue background on the right. The image shows a large black and white spotted dog sitting on a patch of green grass, with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. The dog is wearing a yellow and white bandana. In the background, a large group of people are standing and sitting on chairs. The text on the right side of the graphic reads: "Blessing of The Animals" and "Duke University Chapel." Below the text is the Duke University Chapel logo.")
Dogs, cats, and other animals will join ministers and the Durham Children's Choir for this Blessing of the Animals worship service on the Duke Chapel Quad. Pet owners are welcome to bring their animals to receive a blessing as part of the service. The service will last about thirty minutes and includes music from the choir, scripture readings, and a sermon. Individual animal blessings will take place immediately after the service.
*** Those bringing pets are responsible for their animals and are asked to bring only pets that will be safe around children and other animals. ***
The Blessing of the Animals service is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, a thirteenth-century Italian friar who lived a life of voluntary poverty and is known for his love of animals. He believed the natural world could give glory to God, writing in his song Canticle of the Sun, "Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures."
