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Blessing of the Animals

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Date
October 3, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Join hearts and paws on October 3rd 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

4.90 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Wonderful way to begin the new year!
The program directors were skilled, compassionate and prayerful. The support group creating the ambiance created a meaningful setting each day. As always, the Jen and her food preparations were nutritious and delicious,
The hospitality and accommodations were warm and welcoming.

5.0
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Sarah’s Advent zoom retreat
It was very effective. The book, speaker and activities brought me to contemplate and connect with God’s voice throughout the Advent season. I look forward to the Lenten journey being offered. Thank you

4.0
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Transition to renewal
Spending the New Year’s Holiday at the Genesis Spiritual Life Center was the perfect way to usher in a new year. Time to rest, relax, pray, and write and to do it with those of similar wants, was absolutely wonderful. It will be hard not to do it again next year.

5.0
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A Simply Centered Advent: Mandalas, Crayoning and Prayers
I found this program very special. I didn't know what to expect but found the whole hour and the crayoning in particular very quieting and peaceful. Focusing on the crayoning with the background music allowed me to focus completely on what I was doing.
The presenter had such a calming way of offering the material and added interesting pieces of art that illustrated the mandalas we were working on.
I hope you will consider bringing Sharon back next Advent

4.0
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Christianity in Crisis
Excellent program. Brother Dom’s presentation was timely, clearly articulated, and inspiring. I have attended previous programs by him, and he never disappoints.
I have one suggestion for Genesis. There was some confusion about the agenda, in terms of times of the sessions as well as when the actual sessions began and ended. It would be helpful if an agenda could be sent out the day before the program begins. As commuters, it was a bit challenging to make sure we knew exactly when we needed to be there and for how long.
That said, as always, the staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly.

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