Pets Receive Blessings at Malate Church for St. Francis Day

WHO:

ABC News World - Priests at Malate Church

NY Post - Parishioners of Malate Church

WHAT:

ABC News World - The Malate Church celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with a special blessing for animals.

NY Post - Parishioners brought their pets, primarily dogs, but also cats and a pet snail, for a special blessing.

WHERE:

ABC News World - Malate Church, Manila

NY Post - Malate Church, Manila

WHEN:

NY Post - The feast was marked on a Sunday.

WHY:

ABC News World - The event was held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his love of animals.

HOW:

ABC News World - The blessing involved priests performing a ceremony for the animals brought by parishioners.

(UPDATED October 4, 2026 13:47 UTC)

At Malate Church in Manila, a special blessing for animals was held in celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals. Parishioners brought their pets, including dogs, cats, and even a pet snail, to receive this unique blessing from the priests. The event took place on a Sunday, highlighting the church's commitment to honoring the bond between humans and their animal companions.