The Malate Church in Manila came alive with wagging tails, cheerful faces and the return of its much-anticipated annual animal blessing.
Observed every Oct. 4, the Catholic feast of St. Francis of Assisi honors the patron saint of animals and ecology, whose life is remembered for humility, compassion and reverence for every form of life.
Although the feast falls on Oct. 4, many parishes schedule their St. Francis celebrations and community pet blessings on the first Sunday of October to make it easier for parishioners to attend.
At Malate Church, families brought their cherished companions to the feast-day observance, with dogs making up most of the crowd alongside cats and even one pet snail.
“We are blessing the animals and plants, and this is closely connected to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The Malate parish has been promoting this,” said Father Leonito Distor, the church’s parish priest.
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Pet owners and their animals moved through the church in an orderly line, waiting as a priest blessed each companion with a gentle sprinkling of holy water.
For many attendees, the ceremony was a heartfelt way to thank their pets for the comfort, happiness and unconditional companionship they provide, while also reflecting St. Francis’ message of caring for God’s entire creation.
“They are part of our family. They may not be like us because they cannot speak, but they have emotions,” said 32-year-old nurse Gaudine Supnet, who cares for four Shih Tzus.
“I want them to feel that, in their own way, we appreciate having them in our lives. That is why we had them blessed,” she added.
The parish also offered free vaccinations for dogs and cats at the church parking area, adding a practical act of care to the St. Francis celebration.
