The Friars were delighted to see that The Good Newsroom published an article about their annual Blessing of the Animals at Graymoor ahead of the Feast of St. Francis.
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement will host their annual Feast of St. Francis Celebration on Saturday, October 4 (the feast day) at Our Lady of Atonement Chapel at Graymoor in Garrison. The tradition honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, “with a day of faith, fellowship, and family fun.”
Organizers said the day’s highlights will include an 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Jim Gardiner, SA, followed by a Blessing of the Animals at 2 p.m. by Father Gardiner and other priests. Families are invited to bring their pets: dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, bunnies, lizards, and more, “for the joyful tradition.”
A special bond
“The blessing of the animals has long been a highlight of the local community’s celebration of St. Francis, honoring the special bond between people and their animal companions,” Jill Lubarsky, the Atonement site spokesperson, told The Good Newsroom.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy guided tours of San Damiano Farm, a ministry of the friars that supports the healing work of St. Christopher’s Inn, a substance abuse residential rehab center, Lubarsky said. Guests can also explore the historic St. Francis Chapel and shop with outdoor vendors, including the Graymoor Book & Gift Center. Local baker “Auntie Liana’s Made and Baked with Love” will also be on-site, offering seasonal sweet treats. Attendees are encouraged to bring unopened pet food donations in support of the Philipstown Food Pantry.
“The Feast of St. Francis Celebration reflects the Franciscan values of peace, joy, and care for creation. It is a day to honor the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose love for animals, creation, and community continues to inspire people around the world,” Lubarsky noted.
Father Gardiner, who is assigned to the Atonement site, said, “It ties in with St. Francis being the patron saint of creation. It’s an opportunity for us to remind ourselves that in the Book of Genesis, God created the animals first and then he created us—and it’s not necessarily that God had a better idea.”
A much better world
The priest added, “We have things that we can learn from them. They’re very faithful, they’re very loving, they’re very forgiving. I think that if more people had animals and paid attention to them and loved them and let themselves be loved by them, we’d have a much better world.”
Lubarsky noted that “we are a Jubilee (pilgrimage) site for the year, and for people who will be in the New York City area, it’s a beautiful drive and you can see fall foliage. It can be a whole-day event, and you can explore the Holy Mountain. Our grounds are open, tour our chapel, visit our bookstore. It’s really a whole day that people can enjoy here in the Hudson Valley.”
Our Lady of Atonement Chapel is located at 40 Franciscan Way in Garrison. For more information, visit the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement’s website.
By Jillian Lubarsky
Originally published on The Good News Room, October 2, 2025
