The Animal Protective League (APL) hosted its annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony this afternoon, at the APL shelter on 1001 Taintor Road in Springfield. This longtime APL tradition marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Father George of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church conducted the blessings and the ceremony.

Many members of the community attended with their cats, dogs and ferrets to receive blessings from Father George. After the ceremony Father George did a walk through of the shelter to bless the animals still in need of homes and some recovering from illnesses.

For additional information on adoptions, volunteering, making a donation or any APL program, call the Animal Protective League at 217-544-7387 or check their web site here.