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Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad

Date: Sun, Oct 4, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Venue: Duke University Chapel Quad, Raleigh

Price:

Category: Community

Duke University Chapel is hosting a Blessing of the Animals worship service on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3 to 3:30 p.m. It takes place outdoors on the Duke Chapel Quad, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina. Dogs, cats, and other animals will join ministers and the Durham Children's Choir for this Blessing of the Animals worship service on the Duke Chapel Quad. Pet owners are welcome to bring their animals to receive a blessing as part of the service. The service will last about thirty minutes and includes music from the Durham Children's Choir, scripture readings, and a sermon. Individual animal blessings will take place immediately after the service. Those bringing pets are responsible for their animals and are asked to bring only pets that will be safe around children and other animals. The Blessing of the Animals service is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, a thirteenth-century Italian friar who lived a life of voluntary poverty and is known for his love of animals. He believed the natural world could give glory to God, writing in his song Canticle of the Sun, "Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures." Look for updates on the Facebook event. Learn about other Blessing of the Animals events in the Triangle.

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Community · Raleigh

Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad

“Arrive twenty minutes early to find parking and secure a spot on the lawn.”

When
Next Sunday
Sun, Oct 4, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
See details
trianglebudget friendlyfamily friendly

The Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad is an outdoor autumn worship service where pet owners can bring their animals to receive individual blessings. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the brief afternoon gathering features scripture readings, a short sermon, and choral music. What to Know: This thirty-minute service is open to all ages and is free to attend. The event takes place on the lawn, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort. You are fully responsible for your own animals, so please only bring pets that are calm, leashed or crated, and comfortable around crowds, children, and other loud animals. Individual blessings begin immediately following the main service. This is a simple, peaceful way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors. The presence of the children's choir makes the short service particularly sweet, and kids will enjoy seeing the variety of pets gathered on the beautiful chapel grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend the Blessing of the Animals?
No, this outdoor community service is free and open to the public.
What kinds of pets are allowed at the service?
Dogs, cats, and other domestic pets are welcome, provided they are safe, secured on a leash or in a carrier, and comfortable around other animals and children.
Where does the event take place?
The service is held outdoors on the Duke University Chapel Quad, located at 401 Chapel Drive in Durham.

Last updated

Next Sunday

Directions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad runs Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM.

Getting There

Duke University Chapel Quad is at 401 Chapel Drive, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Duke University Chapel Quad →

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot

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