Dogs, cats, goats, horses among the pets receiving blessings at parishes across the diocese

In conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, observed annually on Oct. 4, many parishes offer blessings for pets/animals. During this special Jubilee Year of St. Francis, pet blessings were offered at numerous locations throughout the diocese.

Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown encouraged parishioners to bring their pets to the 11 a.m. Mass on Oct. 4. Father David Durkee, pastor, read from the Book of Blessings as he prayed over the pets in attendance.

Pet owners received a holy card featuring a picture of St, Francis, known as the patron saint of animals. The other side included the prayer “A Blessing of Animals.”

Assisting with the blessing was Deacon Steve Makara.

At Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Grafton, which is celebrating its 20thanniversary this month, Father John Seabold blessed a variety of animals during an outdoor ceremony on Oct. 5.

“The pets love to meet one another,” he told parishioners, as he encouraged them to bring their pets. A variety of animals turned out for the event, including dogs, goats and a few horses.

Meanwhile, at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River, Deacon Mike Hayes presided at the annual pet blessing on Oct. 4 in Centennial Park on the parish grounds.

“We had quite a few pets,” the deacon said, noting most were dogs, including his own dog, Vito. He said one family even asked him to bless a memento of their beloved pet.

St. Bernadette Parish in Westlake also had a pet blessing on Oct. 4 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass in front of the church. Deacon Jeff Stutzman officiated at the blessing, which drew a number of parishioners and their pets.