The Jewish High Holidays conclude with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (October 11-12). Jews traditionally observe the day by fasting and refraining from work. They attend synagogue services and reflect on their sins of the past year.

This week many Christians, of many denominations, observed the Feast of St. Francis (October 4). The day recalls the life of St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century with his devotion to prayer, suffering, and love for every part of creation. Over the centuries, in honor of Saint Francis, many churches have come to observe a special day for the blessing of the animals.