On Oct. 4, we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known as the patron saint of animals.
ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH IN FULLERTON CELEBRATED ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ON SUNDAY, OCT. 2. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
In honor of St. Francis, who preached for the protection of all creatures great and small, many parishes within our Diocese of Orange celebrate the Blessing of the Animals – when the Catholic faithful bring their beloved companions to church to receive a
blessing and a sprinkling of holy water by their parish priest. Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach and St. Philip Benizi in Fullerton held a blessing for animals on Sunday, Oct. 2 and St. Francis of Assisi School in Yorba Linda held its blessing on Tuesday,
Oct. 4.
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS IN NEWPORT BEACH CELEBRATED ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ON SUNDAY, OCT. 2. PHOTO
BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A BLESSING FOR PETS
“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”