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"God loves them all": Nashville church hosts Blessing of the Animals Sunday

"God loves them all": Nashville church hosts Blessing of the Animals Sunday
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville hosted a Blessing of the Animals Sunday afternoon.

The small gathering of humans and pets was inspired by the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi.

Kids greeted dogs, sang songs, and watched as pets were blessed by church leaders.

"Our animals bring us the same amount of joy as our human family members and so it's a lot of fun to see them receive that blessing," said Jeanette MacCallum, who blessed animals Sunday.

"May you be blessed in the name of God, Creator of Christ and Holy Spirit," the blessing went. "May you and your beautiful human family enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you. Amen!"

Not only did the bless pets, but they remembered those that left us too early. Kids were able to write their former pet's name on a ribbon and tie it to a tree.

More Blessing of the Animals events:

Christ Church Cathedral: October 6 at 8:45 a.m.

Gainesboro First United Methodist Church: October 13 at 3:00 p.m.

Glen Leven Presbyterian Church: October 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Trinity Presbyterian Church: October 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Is your church hosting a similar event? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.

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Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

Eugene: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/7b/09/9eaf788d46f580c4234978610d60/screenshot-2026-04-29-at-12-11-52-pm.png

Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png

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Henry: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/f7/31/2e3894bf45d9a1668f1ccc56b9f6/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-00-pm.png

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20-year-old seriously injured after stopping to help driver on I-24

Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!

- Carrie Sharp