St. Francis of Assisi, At a Parish Near You!
Everyone's favorite Gospel-preaching, animal-loving, creation-protecting saint's feast day is coming up quickly!
This year's Feast of St. Francis of Assisi takes on special meaning as the Church commemorates the 800th anniversary of his death and reflects on his legacy. We're in the midst of a Jubilee of St. Francis, too, which means there are special graces and plenary indulgences available as well! Among the extra special events is a St. Francis of Assisi Jubilee Mass with Denver Archbishop James Golka at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Longmont on Saturday, October 3, at 4:30 p.m.
Here's a list of the parish events for the Feast of St. Francis that were publicly announced by publication time. Be sure to check back frequently — we'll update the list as we hear more!
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Guardian Angels Parish, Mead
109 S. Third St., Mead
TIME: 7:00 — 7:30 p.m.
Bring furry, feathered and scaly companions for a special blessing and an opportunity to thank God for the animals that bring joy and companionship to our lives. The event is free and open to all.
Friday, Oct. 2
Music for St. Francis
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 6:30 — 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate St. Francis through an evening of organ and choral music inspired by his words and spirituality. Presented by Catholic Studies at Colorado State University, the free concert features organist Joel Bacon, CSU musicians and Schola Arietum.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Pet Blessing
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
Back patio, 3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 9:00 — 9:30 a.m.
Dogs, cats, birds, lizards, horses and other animals are welcome for a blessing with Deacon Brandon.
Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Denver
The Grotto, 2298 S Logan St, Denver
TIME: Around 11 a.m.
Bring pets to the Grotto for a special blessing in connection with the Feast of St. Francis. Animals should be appropriately leashed, crated or otherwise secured.
Pet Blessing
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Parish, Denver
Church parking lot, 3549 Navajo St., Denver
TIME: Noon — 1:00 p.m.
Pets are invited for a blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Participants are asked to call the parish office at 303-455-0447 to register and to keep pets leashed or safely secured.
Afternoon Pet Blessing
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
Back patio, 3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 3:00 — 3:30 p.m.
A second opportunity for parishioners and visitors to bring their animals for a special St. Francis pet blessing.
Jubilee Mass with Archbishop James Golka
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Archbishop James Golka will celebrate Mass as the parish honors its patron saint during the Jubilee Year, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.
St. Francis “Feastival”
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 5:30 — 9:00 p.m.
The parish celebration continues after Mass with Umbrian ragù, live music and dancing, a cornhole tournament and children’s games. Advance signup is requested by Sept. 29. $5 per person, $20 max per household.
Spanish Anticipatory Mass for the Feast of St. Francis
LOCATION: Annunciation Parish, Denver
3601 Humboldt St., Denver
Confessions at 4:30 p.m.
Mass at 6:00 p.m.
Annunciation’s Capuchin Franciscan community begins its weekend celebration of St. Francis with confessions and a Spanish-language anticipatory Mass.
Bilingual Transitus of St. Francis
LOCATION: Annunciation Parish, Denver
3601 Humboldt St., Denver
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
The traditional commemoration of St. Francis’ passage from death to eternal life will include Eucharistic Adoration, a candlelight procession through the neighborhood with a statue of St. Francis, Night Prayer, reflections and a blessing with a relic of the saint. Street parking only.
Candlelight Procession and Transitus
LOCATION: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Longmont
3791 Pike Road, Longmont
TIME: 8:00 — 8:45 p.m.
Participants will gather in the parish parking lot for a candlelight procession into the church, followed by the traditional Transitus prayers, Night Prayer and a meditation on the final hours of St. Francis’ life. Candles will be provided.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Mass and Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Annunciation Parish, Denver
3601 Humboldt St., Denver
English Masses at 8:00 and 11:30 a.m.
Spanish Masses at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A Blessing of the Animals will take place in the parish courtyard following each Sunday Mass. Food and fellowship are also planned as part of the parish’s St. Francis celebration. Street parking only.
Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Light of the World Parish, Littleton
Outside of the church, 10306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton
TIME: After 12:00 p.m. Mass
A Blessing of the Animals will take place following the 12:00 p.m. Mass for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: All Souls Catholic Parish, Englewood
Outdoor Chapel, 4950 S. Logan St., Englewood
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
Bring pets to the parish’s Outdoor Chapel for a special blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Annual Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Blessed Sacrament Parish, Denver
Outside of the church, 4900 E Montview Blvd, Denver
1:30 p.m.
Father Bibin will bless leashed or crated pets during the parish’s fourth annual celebration. Each blessed pet will receive a St. Francis medal for its collar. Pet snacks will be available, along with free hot dogs and drinks for their human companions.
Blessing of the Animals
LOCATION: Shrine of St. Anne Parish, Arvada
Church parking lot, 7555 Grant Pl, Arvada
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
A Blessing of the Animals will take place in the church parking lot at 5:00 p.m. for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
