Blessing of the Animals, 2019

Since 2006 local Episcopal priests have set up shop next to the Foster City Dog Park on the first Sunday in October.

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in the Catholic and Anglican traditions, celebrates the life of one of the greatest saints in Christendom with the Blessing of the Animals.

A line of pets and their owners had assembled at 12:30 when we arrived.

Some were regulars at this annual event; one even brought us cupcakes.

Newcomers said they had seen the notice on the Marquee, Foster City's large electronic billboard at Hillsdale & Shell.

Some animals were young and frisky, just getting their start in life. Others were old and sickly and had seen better days. From the way their human companions handled them, all were loved.

800 years after he died, St. Francis' spirit is alive and well.