This first time video recording of this event is titled “The Blessing of the Animals” by Friar Gerry Waterman through the Campus Catholic Ministries (CCM) at Elon University. This Saint Francis of Assisi service is a yearly tradition at the Elon University, North Carolina, was held on October 8, 2015 in the Phi Beta Kappa Plaza. This is a Franciscan tradition known as the “Feast of Saint Francis” normally celebrated on October 4th of each year because Saint Francis had a love for animals which was expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals and so many churches offer animal blessing services. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed.” Blessings may occur indoors or outdoors. Pets may include dogs, cats, fish, birds and any living animal creatures. Some people choose to bring photos of their pets if it is difficult for their pets to attend the blessing. Friar Gerry Waterman invited students, faculty, staff, and community to bring their pets for a holy water blessing during the fall season each year. A mass was said in honor of Saint Francis and the blessing of the animals. During this mass, musicians play special music. Waterman says, “As we celebrate Numen Lumen in honor of Saint Francis and lover of all creations, an icon of holiness from Assisi, Italy, we marvel at the company Saint Francis kept throughout his life with all of God’s creatures. We pray that we too live as authentic human persons, fully alive. We are most truly ourselves, when we love, forgive, and when we make peace.” At the Franciscan / Catholic churches, a friar (as Friar Gerry Waterman) with a brown robe and a white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Animals usually goes like this: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable this animal to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Amen.” Waterman had guests introduce the living and virtual pets. Some names include: Major and Laura Goldstein, Linda Lashendock, Jannifer (Jan) Register, Erin (no last name), Morgan (no last name), Melissa (no last name), Ali (no last name), Jess (no last name), Cassidy (no last name), Hannah (no last name), Kathryn (no last name), Presidia (no last name), Cody (no last name), Rebecca (no last name), Carol (no last name), Rachel (no last name), Shelby (no last name), Janet (Jan) Fuller, and Callie McHard.