On Thursday, October 4, students from Sophia Academy joined with their parents in the school parking lot to host the school’s first ever “Blessing of the Pets.”  Father David Musso, the school chaplain and a Marist priest, spoke about St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, and of his care and compassion for animals.  After sharing of the biblical call for humans to take care of the animals entrusted them, Father Musso invited students to bring their pets forward for a blessing with holy water. Their arms cradling their beloved pets, students came forward one by one to receive blessings for dogs, cats, reptiles, and guinea pigs.  It was a special day for all to celebrate the creation.