Wagging tails fill Malate Church as priests bless pets for St. Francis feast

On October 4, the Malate Church in Manila held its annual pet blessing ceremony to commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. The event drew numerous pet owners and their animals to the church grounds for a traditional religious observance.

St. Francis of Assisi is recognized by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of animals and ecology. The feast day serves as an occasion to honor his legacy of humility and compassion through the blessing of pets.