Senior Minister Patricia Farris blesses Jack, a 50 year old Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica during the "Blessing of the Animals" service on Saturday, October 2, 2010.

 

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.

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