PRESS RELEASE: Mission San Luis Hosts Blessing of Animals 20th Anniversary

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Secretary of State Cord Byrd invites the public to bring their furry, feathered, and scaly animal companions to the 20^th anniversary of Blessing of Animals at Mission San Luis on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pets will receive a special blessing from area clergy. Admission is free on the day of the event and all pets on leashes or in carriers are welcome.

“For 20 years, Mission San Luis has hosted Blessing of Animals, a popular Tallahassee tradition,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Generations of families have experienced this special day celebrating the timeless bond we share with with our animal friends.”

 Blessing of Animals, 2022.

As the site of a 17th-century Franciscan mission within the Apalachee province, Mission San Luis carries on the Blessing of Animals tradition originated in the 13th century in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Certificates and online photos of each blessing are provided free of charge. Animal organizations will be on hand sharing information on the important work they do to support animals in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.    

Guests can participate in several pet-themed crafts and activities. Mission San Luis staff will also be dressed in period wardrobe interpreting the history of the site.

Guests are encouraged to bring donations of pet food and supplies for area animal shelters.

For more information, please visit MissionSanLuis.org or call 850.245.6406.

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About Mission San Luis
Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today, the Mission brings the early 1700s to life with living history interpreters in period dress, reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and archaeological research. The site is managed by the Florida Department of State, and support is provided by the Friends of Florida History, Inc. Mission San Luis is Tallahassee’s only National Historic Landmark. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mission San Luis is pet-friendly to animals on leashes all year round. For more information visit MissionSanLuis.org.