Miami Parishes Bless Pets for St. Francis Feast Day

Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4 with special pet blessings. Clergy sprinkled holy water on animals, honoring the patron saint of animals and ecology. This year's observances marked the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death, falling within the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, declared by Pope Leo XIV and running from Jan. 10, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027.

St. Francis, who lived from 1182 to 1226, is honored for his kindness to animals and his belief that all creation reflects God's goodness. Several parishes held blessings, including St. Rose of Lima Parish in Miami Shores, where Father George Packuvettithara blessed pets. In Miami, Father Giovanni Peña of Prince of Peace Parish blessed a pet pig, and Father Steven O'Hala of the Cathedral of St. Mary blessed a parrot named Rita with its owner and son present. Deacon Roberto Pineda also blessed animals at St. Joseph Parish in Miami Beach.

The tradition reflects St. Francis' legacy. He renounced a life of wealth to spread the Gospel and is admired by many for his deep connection to nature. His writings, such as the "Canticle of the Sun," highlight his view of animals and the environment as aspects of divine creation.