The annual "Blessing of Animals" will be observed at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on Wednesday, Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

The special blessing will be at 6 p. m. on the parish property, 4046 Lower Fayetteville Rd., Sharpsburg.

St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th century saint, is revered for his compassion and love of animals. He founded the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, which now numbers over 18,000 religious members as well as the Poor Clare's and the Third Order. St. Francis also is the patron saint of Italy and of ecologists.

Pets of all kind are welcomed for the special blessing. In the past, Saint Mary Magdalene has welcomed dogs, cats, horses, birds, hamsters, snakes and other exotic animals. Parking is available in the fields near the parish rectory.

The parish, which began as a mission of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City, is presently building its first church on a 40 acre site off Lower Fayetteville Road, near the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 154 (McCollum-Sharpsburg Rd.) Weekend Masses currently are held at East Coweta High School on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and on Sundays at 9 a.m. and noon.

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