Celebration and Blessing of the Animals
Each year, UUAM joyfully hosts the Celebration and Blessing of the Animals, a beloved service that honors the deep relationships between humans and the other animals who share our lives. This special gathering invites participants to reflect on compassion, interdependence, and gratitude for all living beings, and to offer a blessing for our relationships with them.
Our next Celebration and Blessing of the Animals is scheduled for October 2026. We look forward to welcoming the community for this meaningful and joyful annual tradition!
A featured highlight from our 2020 celebration was a special message recorded exclusively for us by Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, whose lifelong work has transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and inspired global action to protect animals, people, and the planet we share.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, UN Messenger of Peace (photo by Stuart Clarke)
Past Celebrations (Video Archive)
2025 Celebration and Blessing of the Animals
Featured Speakers: Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UUA President and Rev. Gary Kowalski, Author of The Souls of the Animals.
▶️ Watch the service2024 Celebration and Blessing of the Animals
Featured Speaker: Dr. Sailesh Rao, Founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers.
▶️ Watch the service2023 Celebration and Blessing of the Animals
Featured Speaker: Christopher “Soul” Eubanks, Founder and Executive Director of APEX Advocacy.
▶️ Watch the service
· 2020 – Celebration and Blessing of the Animals
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, UN
