On Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 10 AM Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be hosting the 4^th annual Blessing of the Animals.  In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, we host this event where we welcome everyone to bring pets (leashed or in a carrier).  Our Pastor, Father Hector Cruz, will have a short message and bless each pet.  Since our pets are a blessing, we want to return the favor! The event is also to raise the community’s awareness of OLPH.  We encourage all to take a peek inside the church to see one of Ybor City’s jewels while visiting.  There is NO fee or charge for attending the Blessing of the Animals, and parking is also free while it lasts across the street from the church.

Here are the specific details:

Anyone with a well-behaved pet is welcome to bring that pet to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1711 East 11^th Avenue, Tampa, FL  33605 at 10 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2017 for a special blessing in honor of St Francis of Assisi.  Dog treats and kitty treats will be provided to owners, and water dishes will be placed around the property to be available for those pups who get thirsty. Any pet spiders are on their own. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church is situated on land in Ybor City, standing on the site where the original church, Our Lady of Mercy, was completed in 1891. In 1937, a new Romanesque style church was constructed on the site of the original wooden church, Our Lady of Mercy. The new church was named Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) at that time.