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A young parishioner from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, holds his dog during the Oct. 5 blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Facebook photo

Home > News > PARISHES > Parishes and schools celebrate Feast of St. Francis with Blessings of the Animals

Parishes and schools celebrate Feast of St. Francis with Blessings of the Animals

October 7, 2025January 21, 2026

Father Matt Ryan, OFM, blesses pets Oct. 4 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Long Beach Island, on the feast day of the parish’s patron saint. Facebook photo

Across the Diocese, pets of every shape and size gathered with their families Oct. 3, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, or following weekend Masses Oct. 4–5, to receive a special blessing.

PHOTO GALLERY: Pet Blessings are around the Diocese

Parishes welcomed a wide variety of companions, from the familiar cats and dogs to more unique guests such as ferrets, chickens and turtles. The annual tradition honors St. Francis’ love for all creation, offering parishioners a joyful way to give thanks for the animals who share their lives.

Browse the photo gallery above to see pet blessings from both parishes and schools across the Diocese of Trenton.

A student at Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, brought her pet turtle to school Oct. 6 to receive a blessing from Deacon Frank Golazeski in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Facebook photo.