Saint Francis is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and for his love for animals and nature. He is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.
In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the blessing of animals shows that all of God’s creatures are cherished and beloved. A blessing of pets is held around the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, where anyone can bring their animal companions to church (dogs, cats, birds, any animal creature) to receive a blessing and celebrate the special bond between humans and animals.
Our annual Noah’s Ark Pet Blessing is usually held on the Sunday nearest to Saint Francis’ Feast Day. We try to have several vendors with information and services available for your pet, and pets for adoption during this event. Leading up to the pet blessing, our Noah’s Ark Ministry will have animal cages at the entrance of the Church for donation of pet food or gently used blankets and towels to the local animal shelter.
The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi provides an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what we can do to help.
