Parishes around the diocese bless pets for St. Francis Feast Day

On or near Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis, parishes often join together for the blessing of pets and other animals. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

As the prayer is offered, the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water.

St. Francis of Assisi is the founder of the Franciscan Order and is the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fargo who shared with New Earth their scheduled pet blessings include:

Oct. 1: Saint Anthony of Padua’s Catholic Church, 710 10th St. S., Fargo - Deacon Stu Longtin will be blessing pets at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information call 701-232-3995.

Oct. 3: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 520 6^th St. N., Grand Forks – blessing of pets on the front lawn between the church and school at 8 a.m. For more information, call Sue at (701) 772-2624.

Oct. 3: Holy Family Elementary School, 1001 17^th Ave. S., Grand Forks – 2:45 p.m. blessing of pets on the playground. For more information contact Connie Mack, secretary, at (701) 775-9886.

Oct. 3: St. John's Elementary School, 122 2^nd St. N., Wahpeton -- Any and all pets from the community are welcome to attend and get blessed between 2 and 2:30 p.m. on the school grounds. For more information, call (701) 642-6982.

Oct. 4: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 520 6^th St. N., Grand Forks – blessing of pets on the front lawn between the church and school at 3 p.m. For more information, call Sue at (701) 772-2624.

Oct. 4: St. John's Catholic Church, 116 First Ave. N., New Rockford - blessing of pets in the parish parking lot immediately after the 5 p.m. Mass. For more information, call Father Bernard A. Pfau, pastor, at (701) 947-5325.

Oct. 4: St. Boniface Church, 801 Central Ave., Walhalla – 4th annual pet blessing at approximately 2 p.m., led by Father Thomas Krupich, pastor. All pets are welcome and there will be treats for all. For more information, call (701) 549-2729.

Oct. 5: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 517 4^th St. N.E., Devils Lake – blessing of pets following noon Mass, approximately 1:15 p.m. in the alley near the priests’ garage. Call (701) 662-7558 for more information.

Oct. 5: Cathedral of St. Mary, 604 Broadway, Fargo – blessing of pets will follow the Noon Mass at approximately 1 to 1:45 p.m. on the rectory lawn. Call the parish secretary for more information at (701) 235-4289.

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