Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. (Photo by Troy C. Hull)CHARLOTTE — Pet parents of the furry, hooved, feathery and scaly brought their beloved animals to receive a special blessing at parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte in early October.
The annual Blessing of the Animals honors the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology. Pet owners know the special role their animals play in their lives as a source of unconditional love and stress relief, and pet blessings are a chance to share the love of God with these special creatures.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Troy C. Hull, Lisa Geraci and provided
Why is St. Francis patron of animals?
Franciswas born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy, in 1181. At 21, he went off to war in northern Italy. He returned a changed man and devoted his life to God, saying he was called to live a life of poverty and work to revitalize the Church.
Francis became an itinerant preacher whose words were heard by thousands. He eventually founded the Franciscan religious order. Throughout his life, he was known for having an affinity for animals, with stories told of birds and other creatures surrounding him as he traveled.
Francis is said to have started the custom of blessing animals between 1210 and 1215, and to have started the first outdoor Nativity scene featuring live animals in 1223.
Francis frequently preached on God’s love for all His creatures and the need to show respect and love to all. St. Francis of Assisi died, presumably from a bacterial infection, on Oct. 3, 1226, at 44. He was canonized on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX.
See pet blessing photos from across the diocese:
For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi the faithful brough their pets to be blessed.
Father Jason Barone blesses pets at Our Lady of the Mountains parish in Highlands for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Father Jason Barone blesses pets at Our Lady of the Mountains parish in Highlands for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Father Jason Barone blesses pets at Our Lady of the Mountains parish in Highlands for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Students at Asheville Catholic celebrated St. Francis’ Feast Day Oct. 3 with a Blessing of the Pets event. Deacon Mike gave the furry friends a blessing and prayer.
Students at Asheville Catholic celebrated St. Francis’ Feast Day Oct. 3 with a Blessing of the Pets event. Deacon Mike gave the furry friends a blessing and prayer.
Students at Asheville Catholic celebrated St. Francis’ Feast Day Oct. 3 with a Blessing of the Pets event. Deacon Mike gave the furry friends a blessing and prayer.
Students saw firsthand the beauty of all of God’s creations.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Deacon Ralph at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem blesses animals on Oct. 4 outside the church.
Pets were blessed on Oct. 4 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenior. The four-legged friends were blessed alongside a 33-year-old bird named Kiwi.
Pets were blessed on Oct. 4 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenior. The four-legged friends were blessed alongside a 33-year-old bird named Kiwi.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Father Noah Carter blesses animals at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.
St. Francis was honored with animal blessings at St. James the Greater in Concord.
St. Francis was honored with animal blessings at St. James the Greater in Concord.
St. Francis was honored with animal blessings at St. James the Greater in Concord.
Furry friends gathered at St. Mark Church in Huntersville for an annual blessing.
Furry friends gathered at St. Mark Church in Huntersville for an annual blessing.
Animals were blessed at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.
Animals were blessed at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.
Father Mark Lawlor of St. Therese Church in Mooresville blessed all the animals, calling them Gods creation and our friends. We love all our friends, large and small.
Deacon John blesses animals at Holy Family Church in Clemmons.
Pets gather at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville for its first pet blessing since before COVID.
Father David blessed animals.
Young puppies and older dogs were among the pets blessed.
Father Patrick Cahill and Father Binoy Davis blessed cats, dogs, birds and even some reptile friends for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. (Photo by Troy C. Hull)CHARLOTTE — Pet parents of the furry, hooved, feathery and scaly brought their beloved animals to receive a special blessing at parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte in early October.
