Second Reformed Church in Pella held a blessing of the animals Saturday morning.

Pastor Steve Mathonnet-VanderWell led the service in the church courtyard that included a prayer and singing.

He says the tradition dates back to Europe with a saint deeply connected with many of nature’s creatures.

“The blessing of the animals, I think the reason we do it in the fall is that it’s associated with Francis of Assisi, who was this Italian-Christian Saint, who was obviously very close to animals,” he says.