ESK Collects 2,450 Pounds of Pet Food for LAMBS Ministry

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – At least 200 animals received blessings Thursday, October 1, at the annual Blessing of the Animals on the lawn of The Episcopal School of Knoxville.

Animals ranged from lizards to parrots as well as throngs of cats, dogs and guinea pigs were present for the event.

As in years past, a school-wide pet food collection project accompanied the longstanding tradition at ESK in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Kindergarten classes collected nearly 350 bags, totaling 2,450 pounds, of dry food for cats and dogs, which was donate to the FISH Hospitality Pantries that feed hungry residents Knoxville residents. The project was conducted in partnership with the LAMBS pet ministry at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

“St. Francis is often remembered for his vision of human kinship with animals and with all creation,” ESK Chaplain Father Josh Hill said. “Over the years that memory has been translated into a fun celebration of human companionship with pets, which reminds us of the biblical mandate to care for all creation. But there was more to Francis than loving animals. He was even more focused on God’s vision for human beings.

“So we bless pets, but our school also collects pet food for those pet owners who struggle to provide food. This is one small way we can strive to be like Francis.”

Each visiting minister blessed each animal by name as its owner stood near, saying “Bless, O Lord, (name of the animal) and may your love for this pet be a reminder of God’s love for you. Amen.”