Underestimated Virtue

The forecasters warned darkly of inclement weather, but the skies were pristine and the air was still.

At the Feast of St. Francis over 40 pet owners came to the Dog Park for the annual Blessing of the Animals, which Catholic and Anglican churches celebrate in honor of the patron saint of animals and the environment.

There were a few members of the congregation and pre-school who showed up, but the majority were members of the community who just liked to mingle with other pet owners. The ministers began coming to the park on St. Francis' Day nine years ago, and some of the pet owners come looking for us on the first Sunday in October.

Showing up regularly, like patience, is an underestimated virtue,