The Blessing of the Animals (or the Blessing of Pets) occurs annually on or around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a day when Christians the world over celebrate all of God’s creation. St. Mark’s conducted its annual Blessing of Pets on Sunday afternoon, October 3, 2021. Reverend Brian D. Vasey presided at the service.

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar and is one of Christianity’s most revered figures. He believed that all creatures were his “brothers” and “sisters”, and had a deep sense of brotherhood, especially for the poor. He loved all of God’s creation, and often is pictured with birds to whom he sometimes “preached”. Born in the 12th century, St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Blessing of the Animals commonly is observed by Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, as well as some other denominations. In New York City, St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the United States, opens a set of bronze doors just three times a year, including for the Blessing of the Animals.

Pet blessing