Feast Day of Saint Francis Assisi – The Blessing of the Animals October 4 & 5

The Blessing of the Animals is a tradition inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, known for his deep love of all God’s creatures. Celebrated around his feast day on October 4th, the event honors his teachings on kindness and respect for animals. People bring their pets to participating parishes to be blessed, acknowledging the bond between humans and animals, and recognizing them as gifts from God. This ceremony reflects St. Francis’ belief in the harmony of all living beings and their connection to the divine. Find a Parish near you and contact them directly to find out if they are hosting a Blessing of the Animals.

parish & mass times finder

The following ADW parishes have listed a Blessing of the Animals event on their websites. Please contact the parish directly to confirm.

Church of the Little Flower, Bethesda, MD, 10/4 @ 4:00 p.m.
Mother Seton Germantown, MD, 10/04 @ 10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory, Washington, D.C., 10/04 @ 9:30 a.m. 
Sacred Heart Bowie, MD, 10/05 @ 3:00 p.m.
Saint Bartholomew, Bethesda, MD, 10/04 @ 8:30 a.m. 
Saint Francis of Assisi, Derwood, MD, 10/05 @ 3:00 p.m.
Saint Ignatius, Chapel Point, MD 10/05 @ 9:30 a.m.
Saint Jane De Chantal, Bethesda, MD, 10/5 @ 2:00 p.m.
Saint John, Hollywood, MD, 10/4 @ 9:00 a.m.
Saint John the Baptist, Silver Spring, MD, 10/4 @ 11:00 a.m.
Saint Joseph, Washington, D.C., 10/4 @ 9:15 a.m.
Saint Peter, Washington, D.C., 10/4 @ 10:00 a.m.
Saint Michael, Ridge, MD, 10/4, 9:00 a.m.

Parishes may reach out to [email protected] for additions and/or corrections to this list. Please provide contact info for confirmation.

Lord: May we realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all Your creatures. Enlighten our minds to preserve all endangered species so that we may continue to appreciate all of Your creations.Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.