This Sunday will mark the 10th year for the annual Blessing of the Animals at Trinity Episcopal Church in Clanton.

On Sunday at 1:30 p.m., the Rev. Bill King will lead the community, in a long-time tradition at the church and nationwide.

The service is open to anyone in the community and all are invited to bring any animal to the prayer service.

King will pray aloud for each animal by name, as well as all animals on earth.

“The tradition of the blessing of the animals around Oct. 4 comes from the historical connection between St. Francis of Assisi in Italy from the 13th century and his respect for all animals as part of God’s creation,” King said. “It is also a wonderful way for everyone to give thanks to God for the animals who are part of our lives.”

In the past, Trinity has blessed various types of animals, from pet dogs and cats to horses, pigs, fish, hamsters and a tarantula.

The outdoor blessing service is about 30 minutes long, depending on the number of animals there are to be blessed, King said.

Each animal is blessed with water and a brief prayer.

In addition to the blessing of the animals, there will be a scripture reading and several prayers prayed together by all attending.

Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 503 Second Ave. S. in downtown Clanton.