Franciscan Renewal Center

Blessing of the Animals and Pet Adoptathon

Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Rats and Horses, OH MY!!

The procession of animals will begin again this year at the Franciscan Renewal Center on October 22 and 23. Why are they all making their way here to these sacred grounds? The Blessing of the Animals, of course!

This custom is continued in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved to watch the larks fly about his hilltop town of Assisi. One time, Francis and his brothers of men were staying in a small hovel, yet they even made room for a donkey.

St. Francis truly loved ALL creatures great and small. He wrote a "Canticle of Creatures," which is an ode to all of God's living things.

If you haven't been to the St. Francis Festival, you have certainly missed a most special event - a celebration of God's special creatures.

Mark your calendar and join us for a day of fun, pet adoptions, laughter, food, pet blessings and a day to celebrate the special bond we have with our furry friends.

Event Date: October 22 and 23, 2011 from 10am-3pm
(Blessing of the Animals @ noon and 2pm both days)

• Event Location: Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253
• Free Admission, free parking, family priced food and fun!
• This is the largest pet adoption event in Arizona!
• For a printable flyer, click here

This will be the 18th year for this annual event at the Franciscan Renewal Center. Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) will be coordinating the participation of over 65 rescue and adoption groups. Over 2000 animals of all kinds will be blessed in this annual tradition at the Casa. The blessings will be conducted at noon and 2pm by the Franciscan friars. We expect to have over 3000 participants and visitors in attendance - 5000 if you count the animals! Over 400 pets will be adopted or fostered as a result of the event. This is the most productive event in the state for adoptions and by far the largest in the southwest! Come join us! There will also be a benefit dog wash for the PACC911 emergency medical fund. Hundreds of dogs will be washed to help support this crucial need.

Take a look at 2010's pet mascot winners!

The results of this year's contest can be seen here.

Is your pet this year's mascot? If so, email your photos to Mike Slivers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or drop your photos off at the front desk.  Winners receive honorary first blessings and their pet's pictures and stories are used in marketing for this and next year's event!

We're also looking for volunteers!!

Please contact us if you'd like to help in any of the following areas:

• Volunteer coordinators
• Setup & teardown
• Blessing assistants/support
• Casa information booth
• T-shirt & ticket sales
• Parking/security
• Dog washers
• Cook Out (Grill)
• Pet cleanup/comfort

* The Franciscan Renewal Center contact: Mike Slivers, 480-948-7460 ext. 129 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

* Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (www.pacc911.org) , formally Pets 911, is an animal advocacy group that provides medical resources to pets in need.