East Boston: St. Francis Petting Zoo

By Bro. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – October 9) – October has arrived with a fistful of holidays and celebrations. We began the month with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, October 4. When we hear the name “St. Francis,” whether we meet a friar on the subway or at the airport or pass a church named for St. Francis, we cannot help but think about animals. The Franciscans have been blessing animals on Boston Common since the friars arrived in Boston.

On Saturday, October 5, the Salesian Boys and Girls Club celebrated the fifth anniversary of its petting zoo. A local farmer loaned the club some pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits, and chickens for the event. During summer camp, we took the entire camp to her farm for horseback riding and the petting zoo she has there. Such an outing is beneficial for our youth. First, it is a safe way for intercity youngsters to celebrate St. Francis and play with some animals they don’t usually see around the city. Second, it provides inner-city youngsters an opportunity to contact nature.

Well, folks, that is it for this week! For those of us fortunate enough to enjoy the chilly air and colors of autumn, let us not forget those who live in the South, especially Florida, as they brace for Hurricane Milton.