By Georgiana Francisco | Correspondent

Each year in and around Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is observed in various ways by Catholics throughout the world. A popular and beloved tradition that commemorates the saint’s love for all creatures that many parishes and even the Vatican choose to uphold is the blessing of pets.

In the Trenton  Diocese, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, was one of numerous parishes that welcomed a parade of dogs, cats, birds and other small animals for a special blessing of pets ceremony Sept. 30.

“Today we gather for the blessing of the animals, a day when we remember the witness of St. Francis of Assisi and remember the goodness of God’s creation,” began Father Joe Noche, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace, himself the owner of two shih tzus, Duchess and Abby. “The blessing of animals is a way of acknowledging the relationships we have with our pets, the reality that these relationships can be deep, long-lasting and fulfilling, and that through them we can experience the love of God,” he said.

Father Noche led the group in prayer while a staff member read a short selection from the Book of Genesis that related how God created all the wildlife of the planet, in the sea and on the land. Pet owners were then invited to place their hands on their animals, as Father Noche read a “Prayer of Blessing.” After a loud “Amen,” Father Noche said a prayer over each animal and sprinkled them with holy water. While a few of the animals didn’t necessarily care for the splash of water, most took it in stride.

“It’s always good to have someone watching over your pet,” said Fritz Marth. “Getting our dog blessed is one way to do that.”

Marth’s daughter, Mandy, agreee. “I’m glad we’re here to bless our dogs Penny and Martine. I don’t have any siblings and they have made great companions for me, especially when I was little.”

Mount Laurel resident Geri Delissio spoke of how her two mini Jack Russel terriers have served as constant companions since they were eight weeks old.

“Now, 15 years later, I can’t imagine my life without them. I think dogs and cats seem to have an extra sense about what we’re doing today,” she said, “In a way, I think they know that they are being blessed, maybe not intellectually, but in a sensory way.”

As for why people bring their pets to be blessed each year, Father Noche, said, “Many people see their pets as members of their families. We bless people, so why not bless animals? They are God’s creation and they need to be blessed, too. While it’s not part of the liturgy, it’s a tradition during which we invoke the blessings of St. Francis who blessed all animals of God’s creation, and pet owners feel an added protection is given to their pets through this special blessing.”