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 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
Father Noah Carter blesses animals at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.
Father Noah Carter blesses animals at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Father Kevin Tran blesses pets at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.
Pets blessed at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Pets blessed at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
Pets blessed at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.
A pet blessing was held at St. James the Greater in Concord.
A pet blessing was held at St. James the Greater in Concord.
A pet blessing was held at St. James the Greater in Concord.
A pet blessing was held at St. James the Greater in Concord.
For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick School students and faculty welcomed a couple of four-legged special guests to their Charlotte school, Cassius and Fraiser.
For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick School students and faculty welcomed a couple of four-legged special guests to their Charlotte school, Cassius and Fraiser.
For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick School students and faculty welcomed a couple of four-legged special guests to their Charlotte school, Cassius and Fraiser.
For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick School students and faculty welcomed a couple of four-legged special guests to their Charlotte school, Cassius and Fraiser.
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.
