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On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, dog owners waited outside the main entrance at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center for a blessing from Father Deusdedit Byomuhangi, who stated afterwards that the Saint of Pets and all animals, St Francis of Assisi, was a man born into a rich family and later became a very humbled man. And that turned him into the animal lover who is honored each year on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He says animals sometimes fear humans, but they were never afraid of St. Francis of Assisi.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: That right, they never feared him. Animals are known for an extra sense of danger. But for him, because of his spirituality, they never feared any danger from him.
Father Deusdedit Byomuhangi stated that it all brought St. Francis of Assisi closer to nature, and that he called every animal a brother and a sister. The afternoon continued at OSF Sacred Heart with therapy dogs visiting various departments. All week long OSF Sacred Heart is accepting donations for the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Their greatest needs are laundry soap, bleach, paper towels, non-clumping kitty litter, tissues, wet cat food in a can, dog food and towels. Donations can be left at the doghouse in the lobby.