Church to dedicate memorial garden for pets

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Evanston will dedicate its St. Francis Memorial Garden and have a blessing of the animals at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Evanston will dedicate its St. Francis Memorial Garden and have a blessing of the animals at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2.

The St. Francis Memorial Garden is a place where people may inter their pets’ cremains in a peaceful, garden like setting with a statue of St. Francis as its center piece.   Park benches on either side of a stone walkway provide a chance to rest, reflect, or pray.

“We invite everyone to attend this dedication and blessing of the animals and to bring their pets – dogs, cats, bunnies, favorite stuffed animals – even your snake!” said Rev. Debra Bullock, Rector of St. Mark’s.

Fresh water and dog and cat treats will be available.  “Those who do not have pets are welcome to attend, too, and everyone is invited to visit the St. Francis Memorial Garden at anytime for rest and contemplation,” Rev. Bullock added.

The Memorial Garden at the church at 1509 Ridge Ave. is named after St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), the patron saint of animals.