SOUTH LOOP — If Fido's been a little devilish this week, perhaps a blessing will shape him up.
In honor of the feast day of animal lover St. Francis of Assisi, churches around Chicago will conduct blessing ceremonies for pets.
Typically, the blessing offers a prayer thanking God for "calling forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animal on the land" and asking Him to enable the pets to live according to His plan.
Here's how Downtown's St. James Cathedral blessed animals visiting from PAWS Chicago shelter in 2013:
You can also read how Hyde Park's St. Paul the Redeemer Episcopal Church blessed the animals in the past. The church hosted its blessing last Sunday.
Since any creature from a hamster to a horse is invited, the blessing is usually outdoors, although it can be moved inside in case of rain.
Here's where you can have your pet blessed this weekend:
1. Grace Episcopal Church (South Loop): Interim Rector Father Ethan Jewett will extend his blessing to the neighborhood's great spaces, honoring St. Francis' devotion to all of God's creation — nature included. It's a nod to another Francis, as well, given that Pope Francis recently called for the United States to take action to protect the environment. Pets are invited to the 10 a.m. worshop service following the blessing, and the coffee hour wrapping up the day will include treats for both pets and people. 10 a.m. Sunday, Grace Episcopal Church, 637 S. Dearborn Ave.
2. Christ Lutheran Church (Albany Park): At Christ Lutheran Church, the motto is, "You bring it, we bless it." All animals "living and stuffed" are welcome to be blessed. 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Christ Lutheran Church, 3253 W. Wilson Ave.
3. St. Peter & Paul Church (McKinley Park): For those south of Downtown or booked on Sunday, St. Peter & Paul Church will host a pet blessing Saturday. Plus, there's free parking, which is always glorious when you're toting around a Great Dane. 2 p.m. Saturday, St. Peter & Paul Church, 3745 S. Paulina St.
4. Pullman Visitor Center (Pullman): If you're looking to go all out for St. Francis, check out the 8th annual Companion Animal Blessing at the Pullman Visitor Center. Adoptable animals will be available, plus visitors can get a portrait drawn with their pet and enter a silent auction. Animal activists, the Pullman Community Choir Ensemble and a member of the Chicago police animal crimes unit will be on hand, and a free exchange will give you a chance to swap your gently used leashes and carriers. The Rev. Mark Krylowicz of St. Anthony Church in Roseland will offer the special pet blessing at 3 p.m. 1 p.m. Sunday, Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove.
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