The Rev. Bill Carlin of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church blesses Rebel the Pomeranian held by Lillie Lovette during Sunday’s blessing of the animals on the church grounds in Bovina. The service honors the feast of animal lover St. Francis of Assisi. In addition, Christ Episcopal Church will bless animals at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Meditation Garden on Locust Street, behind the Main Street church. (The Vicksburg Post/PAT SHANNAHAN)