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Philippine Church Hosts Pet Blessing for St. Francis Feast
Confirmed
In Short: Father Leonito Distor, parish priest of Malate Church in Manila, Philippines, led a special pet blessing ceremony on Sunday, October, to commemorate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.
The event, which drew pet owners and their furry friends, included the sprinkling of holy water on dogs, cats, and even a pet snail.
Supnet, a 32-year-old nurse who owns four Shih Tzu dogs, explained, “They are part of our family. Not exactly like us in the sense that they can’t speak, but they do have emotions.”
Parishioners lined up to have their pets blessed, with some bringing their dogs and cats to the altar for the ceremony.
Distor emphasized the importance of the blessing, saying, “I want them to feel, in some way, that we are grateful for their presence in our lives; that’s why we have them blessed.”
In addition to the blessing, the church also organized free pet vaccinations for dogs and cats in the church parking lot.
St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, is remembered for his humility, compassion, and deep love for all living things.
The church’s actions reflect Francis’ call to respect and care for all of God’s creation.
This annual event at Malate Church has become a beloved tradition, celebrating the bond between humans and their animal companions.
The blessing ceremony not only honors St. Francis but also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and care for all creatures.
Pet owners expressed gratitude for their pets' companionship, highlighting the emotional and spiritual support animals provide.
What's confirmed
- “We are blessing the animals and plants and this is so much in relation to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi … so the Malate parish has been advocating this one,” said Father Leonito Distor, parish priest of the church.
- “They are part of our family … Not exactly like us in the sense that they can’t speak, but they do have emotions,” said 32-year-old nurse Gaudine Supnet, who owns four Shih Tzu dogs.
- (Credit: Joeal Calupitan/AP.) MANILA, Philippines — It’s a day for wagging tails, happy faces and a special annual blessing at a church in the Philippine capital.
- Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, remembered for his humility, compassion and deep love for all living things.
- At Malate Church in Manila, parishioners marked the feast by bringing their beloved pets for a special blessing — mostly dogs but also cats and even a pet snail.
- Parishioners formed a line as they walked up the aisle with their pets, waiting patiently for a priest to sprinkle their companions with holy water.
- Francis’ call to respect and care for all of God’s creation.
- “I want them to feel, in some way, that we are grateful for their presence in our lives; that’s why we have them blessed.” The church also organized free pet vaccinations for dogs and cats in the church parking lot.
- A church in the Philippine capital has celebrated the feast day of St.
- Pet owners expressed gratitude for their pets' companionship.
What's still developing
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