The Catholic Diocese of Toledo has announced area churches planning to hold pet blessings.
Many Christians will celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on or around Oct. 4 by having their
pets blessed in the spirit of this patron saint of animals and ecology. Pope John Paul II proclaimed St.
Francis of Assisi the patron saint of animals and ecology in 1979 because of his love and respect for
all creatures.
A blessing of the animals is usually celebrated outdoors where the pets are also sprinkled with holy
water. Parishes welcome animals, large and small, from the domesticated dog and cat to guinea pigs,
horses, goats, lizards, fish, birds and crickets.
Area parishes which have scheduled such services include:
• All Saints Parish, 134 Lime City Road, Rossford at 2 p.m. Sunday, and the parish and school at 1:45
p.m. Tuesday.
• St. Patrick Providence Parish, 14010 U.S. Route 24 Grand Rapids, 11 a.m., Sunday near the playground.
• St. Wendelin Parish, 323 N. Wood St. Fostoria, at 5 p.m. Wednesday on the front lawn of the church.
