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


CRS rallies advocates, lawmakers against proposed long-term cuts to foreign aid
Hundreds of Catholic humanitarian workers are rallying to prevent...

In Peru, Pope Leo saw youth as the present and the future of the church
Young people in the former Peruvian diocese of...

Vatican's support for UN mission 'unwavering' as Pope stresses peace, bridge-building
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate with an emphasis on peace...

Recovery just beginning for central US region ripped by a reported 70 tornadoes
"The roof was ripped off, yet the candles burned on,"...

Every vocation, even the Pope's, springs from God's love, Pope says
God's love, mercy and goodness lie at the foundation of every...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2025 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.