Parishioners Give Thanks for Animal Companions on the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi
DETROIT — On October 4, dogs barked, tails wagged, and families gathered at Holy Paws Dog Park as the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a blessing of the animals. This year’s event held special significance, commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death—a beloved patron saint of animals known for his deep reverence for God’s creation.
As pets and their owners gathered for the afternoon ceremony, Deacon Chris Jaskowiec of the cathedral welcomed attendees, reflecting on the beauty of uniting God’s creatures. “God’s creatures are gathered here,” he said, emphasizing the shared experience among all beings.
Fr. Mark Soehner, OFM, led the blessing, inviting attendees to contemplate the profound relationship between humanity, animals, and creation. He alluded to St. Francis’s view of creation not just as objects but as family, referring to the sun as “Brother Sun” and the moon as “Sister Moon.”
“He loved creation and saw it not as a thing, but as something relatable,” Fr. Soehner remarked, capturing the spirit of the event at Holy Paws, a park that serves as a communal space near the cathedral.
During the service, Fr. Soehner noted how pets become integral members of families, offering comfort and companionship. He spoke about the lessons pets teach their owners—patience, loyalty, and unconditional love. The blessing acknowledged how the joy animals bring into people’s lives ultimately points to their Creator, stating, “Every good thing ultimately comes from God.”
The prayer offered gratitude for the animals in attendees’ lives and sought blessings for them and their caretakers. “Through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, teach us to recognize your presence, God, in all of creation,” the prayer asked, urging gentle care for all God has entrusted to humanity.
The celebration builds on the cathedral’s efforts to transform Holy Paws Dog Park into more than just a space for dogs, creating a community hub reflective of “community, creation, and connection.” Since its opening in 2025, the park has served as a gathering place for the neighborhood, grounding its role within the cathedral’s mission.
In honoring St. Francis, the event reinforced the idea that the love people have for their animal companions is a gift deserving of thanks. As the blessing concluded, participants were reminded that caring for creation brings about a deeper appreciation for its Creator: “May our love for your creation lead us to a deeper love for you, the creator of all things.”
