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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Joeal Calupitan

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

Philippines Pet Blessing - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

It’s a day for wagging tails, happy faces and a special annual blessing at the Malate Church in Manila.

Every Oct. 4, Catholics mark the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, remembered for his humility, compassion and deep love for all living things. Many parishes choose the first Sunday of October to hold community animal blessings or St. Francis service events for convenience.

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