Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 18, 2024 Feast of St. Francis Celebrate Blessing of the Animals Special to Th e Advocate T here were some unusual noises in the sanctuary as St. Paul’s Church in Malden marked the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with its annual Blessing of the Animals on October 6. The Rev. Catherine Venkatesh welcomed two- and four-legged participants, advising those present to “move in and out freely, as may be best for your companions.” During the (mostly) orderly service, people brought pets, pictures of pets, and toy animal companions to be blessed for their health and protection. St. Paul’s has offered blessings to animals since 2019. During the COVID quarantine, the celebration took place on the church lawn at 26 Washington St., a spot familiar to anyone with a dog in the downtown Malden area. St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–October 3, 1226) is revered in many Christian traditions. He is associated with animals and the enLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Some of the guests have been here before. (Courtesy photo) C’mon Down and Visit Chris & His Associates! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! MAJOR BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! Singles * Tins Green Label Sale Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! Starting at $18.95 * Bundles * Boxes Many Types Starting at $49.95 Starting at $95.95 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES HOURS: OPEN DAILY, MON. - SAT., 9 AM - 7 PM / SUN., 9 AM - 6 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, humidifier, hygrometer, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Chris 2024 What are we singing next? (Courtesy photo) vironment, both because of his hymns to God as the Creator of the natural world, and because he was known to preach to animals and birds. He is also noted for his work for peace, especially through his famous Peace Prayer and his eff orts to end the Fifth Crusade. In her sermon, Rev. Venkatesh reminded the congregation that while we love our pets, we also should honor St. Francis by our care for the whole of nature and by seeking peace. This year’s participants were dogs and cats, but guinea pigs and birds have also attended. After the service, participants INITIATIVES | FROM PAGE 1 from 7-8 p.m. The event will be live-streamed on the Senator’s YouTube channel (https://bit. ly/2024BallotQuestions) and a recording will also be available after the event. Senator Lewis will provide a brief description of each ballot initiative and answer questions about each one from audience members. The fi ve statewide ballot initiatives deal with: (1) ability of the state auditor to audit the state legislature; (2) elimination of the MCAS high school graduation requirement; (3) unionization for rideshare drivers; (4) legalization of certain psychedelic drugs; and (5) minimum wage Sometimes we need a little help to be good! (Courtesy photo) Cats and other pets are welcome in cages (for their own safety). (Courtesy photo) adjourned for species-appropriate refreshments: coff ee for the humans and pet treats for the others. (Courtesy photo) for tipped workers. Senator Lewis was appointed earlier this year by Senate President Karen Spilka to serve on a special legislative committee that reviewed the ballot initiatives. Scan this QR code to be directed to the Town Hall livestream page For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 orInfo@advocatenews.net
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