Students, families, and their beloved pets gathered in the Saint Joseph School schoolyard on October 2 for the school’s annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Saint Francis was a 13th-century friar and preacher remembered for his deep love for God, people, animals, and all of creation. He is recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Each year, Saint Joseph School commemorates his feast day with this special celebration of the animals that bring companionship and joy to families’ lives.
The Rev. Richard Polek, pastor of Saint Joseph Basilica and headmaster of Saint Joseph School, offered a special blessing for the pets gathered with their families. Students whose pets could not attend were invited to bring stuffed animals to be included in the celebration.
The Blessing of the Animals is a much-loved Saint Joseph School tradition, giving students an opportunity to introduce their pets to classmates and teachers while learning about their responsibility to care for all of God’s creation.
Together, students and families prayed for God to protect their pets from harm and sickness and thanked Him for the friendship, happiness, and unconditional love animals bring into their lives. They also asked Saint Francis to help them show kindness and respect to all creatures—big and small, wild and tame.
The joyful gathering served as a meaningful reminder that caring for animals and the environment is one of the many ways people can demonstrate gratitude for God’s creation.
