On October 4th, Catholics celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. In Manila, at Malate Church, parishioners brought their beloved pets, mainly dogs, but also cats and even a pet snail, for a special blessing. Father Leonito Distor, the parish priest, emphasized the importance of honoring St. Francis through this tradition of blessing animals and plants.
Pet owners showed their gratitude for the unconditional love and companionship their pets provide. “They are part of our family,” shared Gaudine Supnet, a nurse who owns four Shih Tzus. The church also offered free pet vaccinations during the event, reinforcing the community’s commitment to caring for all of God’s creation.
