“St. Francis believed that all creatures are brothers and sisters of God.”

Those were the words the Rev. Ed Glaize spoke on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church Sunday afternoon as the annual “blessing of the pets” ceremony began. Glaize, who blessed more than two dozens animals, said the October day of observance has become a joint, annual event for the community.

“We have joined with our friends at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church to alternate this event each year,” Glaize said. “We combined our efforts to offer this opportunity to the community each year.”

The event, also known as Feast Day, is held each year in Brewton to allow residents to have their pets blessed — and Glaize said it is a pleasure to be a part of that ceremony.

“I’m so glad to be able to do this,” Glaize said. “Our pets become family. I’m happy to do it.”More than two dozen pets were blessed this year.