Father Mel Jurisich, from the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, blesses Buddy, a 13 year-old West Highland White Terriers, at Reed Park during St. Francis Day "Blessing of the Animals" on Sunday, October 4, 2009. The annual blessing service takes place in the tradition of Blessed Francis of Assisi, a 12th century saint of the church who lived in Italy. He was known for his kindness to all animals, recognizing and praising them as part of God’s creation.
Santa Monica Close-up on Facebook