Parishes, schools mark feast of St. Francis of Assisi with pet blessings
HOUSTON — They came in crates, boxes, totes, backpacks, and leashed and caged. Beloved pet animals were towed to Catholic parishes across the Archdiocese as faithful turned out to celebrate the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of creation and animals.
Many parishes, including St. Paul the Apostle in Clear Lake, St. Matthias in Magnolia, Mary Queen in Friendswood, St. Hyacinth in Deer Park and St. Thomas More in Houston, joined others to mark the special occasion. A number of schools, like St. Christopher and St. Rose of Lima, both in Houston, and True Cross School in Dickinson also celebrated the feast day, with students bringing four- and two-legged (or winged! or finned!) friends for a morning blessing ceremony.
The annual celebration unites parishioners and communities with their pets.
St. john Vianney
St. Jerome School
St. Justin Martyr
St. Augustine School
St. Catherine Montessori
St. Catherine Montessori
St. Laurence School
St. Paul the Apostle
St. Hyacinth
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Rose of Lima School
St. Rose of Lima School
St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal
St. Matthias
