Blessing of pets is a beloved tradition on St. Francis feast day

October 8, 2024 at 12:15 p.m.
Decked out with a colorful scarf, this little pooch from St. Clement Parish, Matawan, patiently waits for a blessing from Father Thomas Vala, pastor, Oct. 6. Vic Mistretta photo
Decked out with a colorful scarf, this little pooch from St. Clement Parish, Matawan, patiently waits for a blessing from Father Thomas Vala, pastor, Oct. 6. Vic Mistretta photo


Pets of all kinds -- furry, finned, feathered and even farm -- had an opportunity to visit their local parishes with their owners and receive a special blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4 or after weekend Masses Oct. 5-6.

While the majority of the animals were dogs and cats, there was a mix of others including birds, a couple of frogs, a rooster and cattle. There were some families who were happy to have their stuffed animals blessed too.

Here are photo galleries of pet blessings taking place around the Diocese. To see the gallery from St. Clement Parish, Matawan, click here. To view a gallery of photos found on parish Facebook pages, click here.


 St. Joseph Parish, Millstone, welcomed cattle to receive a blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Facebook photo



Related Stories

Pets of all kinds -- furry, finned, feathered and even farm -- had an opportunity to visit their local parishes with their owners and receive a special blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4 or after weekend Masses Oct. 5-6.

While the majority of the animals were dogs and cats, there was a mix of others including birds, a couple of frogs, a rooster and cattle. There were some families who were happy to have their stuffed animals blessed too.

Here are photo galleries of pet blessings taking place around the Diocese. To see the gallery from St. Clement Parish, Matawan, click here. To view a gallery of photos found on parish Facebook pages, click here.


 St. Joseph Parish, Millstone, welcomed cattle to receive a blessing on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Facebook photo


Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Director of missions shares importance of World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on the weekend...

Helping the Church where it is young, suffering and threatened
As we gather in communion this World Mission Sunday, I extend to you a heartfelt...

Pope says he hopes for 'reconciled differences' among Christians
Pope Francis called on divided Christians to overcome their...

Pope Francis' memoir to be published in January, publisher announces
An Italian publisher announced the global release in January of "Hope," ...

In November, two Sundays are devoted to prayer for persecuted Christians around world
A number of organizations are inviting faithful to pray for persecuted...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.