Blessing of the Animals, Newport-Mt. Olivet UMC, 311 Blue Grass Trail, Newport, VA. Saturday, Oct. 7; 9:00-11:00 a.m. We will be blessing your pets at The Village Green in remembrance of the Festival of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Animals must be on a leash or in a cage. Contact: Morris Fleischer, [email protected] or (540) 544-7183. Download flyer HERE.