Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Hospitals throughout central Illinois host blessing events in honor of St. Francis of Assisi
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, HSHS hospitals throughout central Illinois will host pet blessing ceremonies in October. St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, is remembered for his deep love and respect for all of God’s creation.
The pet blessings offer community members an opportunity to bring their pets to be blessed and to celebrate the companionship, comfort and joy animals bring to their families.
“Pets hold such a special place in our lives and offer a kind of unconditional love that is truly a gift,” said Karla Marshall, Manager of Spiritual Care and Mission Operations for the HSHS Central Illinois Market. “Gathering together to bless our beloved animals gives us a chance to pause, give thanks and recognize the joy they bring to our families and communities.”
Pet Blessing Locations:
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham
Healing Garden
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5 p.m.
HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville
Peace Garden, east side of hospital
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5 p.m.
HSHS St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield
Front Lawn
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 5 p.m.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur
Cancer Care Healing Garden
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5:30 p.m.
Pet owners are encouraged to bring their pets safely secured on a leash or in a carrier. All pets are welcome, and families are encouraged to participate in this special tradition honoring St. Francis and the bond between people and animals.
For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.
About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic healthcare ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan healthcare, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS colleagues provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular, its partnership with Prevea Health, and with many other providers serving on medical staffs. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.
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