What happened
Catholics at Malate Church in Manila marked the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi by bringing their pets for a special blessing. The event, which took place on October 4, included mostly dogs, as well as cats and a pet snail. Parishioners lined up with their pets to receive a blessing from priests, who sprinkled holy water on the animals.
According to Father Leonito Distor, the parish priest of Malate Church, the blessing is a way to honor St. Francis' call to respect and care for all of God's creation. Pet owners expressed gratitude for the love and companionship their pets bring to their lives, with one owner, 32-year-old nurse Gaudine Supnet, stating that her pets are part of her family and deserving of gratitude.
The church also organized free pet vaccinations for dogs and cats in the church parking lot. The event is an annual tradition, with many parishes choosing to hold community animal blessings or St. Francis service events on the first Sunday of October.
