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



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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


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