All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates The Feast Of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints' Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Wednesday morning, students and parents at All Saints’ Episcopal School celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with their annual Blessing of the Animals chapel service. Father John Dukes, of All Saints’ Church, led the school community in song and prayer as they gathered in the courtyard to celebrate the “pets that bring us joy.” St. Francis is recognized in both the Catholic and Anglican traditions as the patron saint of animals and the environment. While many brought their family dog, Father Dukes also blessed a Draco, a bearded dragon and an entire cage of zebra finches! Many who were unable to bring their pets, brought a picture or a stuffed animal as a substitute.

The Early Learning Center (ages 2-4) at ASES had their own special St. Francis day with a visit from Wildlife Rehabilitator Lynne McCoy. Known throughout the area for her tireless devotion to the injured and abandoned wildlife of East Tennessee, Lynne and her animal ambassadors taught these young students about the habits and needs of these important creatures.

All Saints' Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints' Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

McCoy @ ASES 2

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints' Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints' Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrates Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Source: Laura Jo Mogren, Director of Development, All Saints' Episcopal School