Blessing of the Animals

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Date
October 4, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Join hearts and paws on October 4th at 10:00 AM at Genesis Spiritual Life Center for the Blessing of the Animals, a celebration of the cherished connection between humans and their animal companions, coinciding with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, known for his profound love for all of God's creation.

We warmly invite you to bring your beloved pets—whether they are furry, feathered, or scaly—to receive a unique blessing during the ceremony. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our connection with all living beings and to express gratitude for the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.

As we come together, we will celebrate the beauty of creation and our shared responsibility to care for it. This joyful occasion is not just about blessings; it’s a time to appreciate the unique relationships we have with our animal friends and to foster a spirit of love and appreciation for all creatures, great and small. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you and your pets!

Getting Here

Location icon Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA

Customer Reviews

4.97 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Breathng New Life Into Prayer
This retreat was very inspirational. It expanded the concept of prayer and how so much of what we do as we carry on our lives is prayer. The day was very nicely divided between lecture, time for reflection, time spent outside with nature, readings and music.

I liked the presenter's use of a kaleidoscope as a metaphor for transforming the broken parts of our lives. The handouts (not too many) were all so relevant and interesting. The passing on healing ritual at the end was such a tangible way to express the action.

The presenter paced things very well, was very engaged with the group and a good listener.
The Genesis site is also so peaceful and welcoming.

5.0
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A Blessed Retreat
I have had many experiences at Genesis Spiritual Center and each has been a gift. The staff and presenters are warm, welcoming, and adept at meeting participants where they are on their journey. I have always found my spirit deeply nourished through their programming. The facility is comfortable and the meals delicious and nourishing. It gives me joy to recommend Genesis highly.

5.0
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Breathing Life Into Prayer.
This one day presentation was ,in a word, excellent! The presentation was balanced, well organized and flowed smoothly throughout the day. There was adequate time set aside for private prayer and contemplation. The presenter Joanne Bourquor was well prepared. She maintained an authentic sense of God and prayer throughout. I found the day to be insightful and spiritually enlivening.

John S

5.0
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Breathe life into prayer
Excellent program. Really helped me to expand my ideas about prayer and recognize that there is no judgment about how to pray. Facilitator, Joanne, was excellent, in presenting knowledge and at the right pace and creating a spiritual space for us to spend the day.

5.0
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Breathe life into prayer
The retreat truly offered guidance and opportunities to breathe life into one’s prayer life.

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