Ten images by Bainbridge Island photographer Sue Hylen, taken in October at the St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals ceremony at St. Barnabas Church, are currently being displayed in the parlor adjacent to the church sanctuary.

On Oct. 6, the parish of St. Barnabas celebrated St. Francis Day with the Blessing of the Animals ceremony as parishioners of all ages brought their dear canine, feline and other four-legged friends to church that day for the annual ritual.

The custom of blessing animals on St. Francis Day stems from the saint’s own celebrated love for the natural world. In a time when wild animals were primarily seen as monsters or food, and domestic animals were routinely abused, St. Francis treated his fellow creatures as friends, brothers and sisters, and even teachers we could learn from. He lobbied officials to protect them, and urged his neighbors to care for them. He has become the patron saint of the environmental movement.

This photographic exhibit highlights the love and joy between animals and their owners.

Photographs are for sale with all funds donated to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. This exhibit is currently open to the public through mid April during church office hours and Sunday services.

For a list of office hours, visit www.stbbi.org or call 206-842-5601.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church is located at 1187 Wyatt Way Northwest.