Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to Hold Blessing of The Animals to Mark the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will mark the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with a blessing of the animals in the courtyard located in front of the Cathedral Chapel on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

This prayerful celebration commemorates Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for creation and for all of God’s creatures.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
7:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
1723 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Reverend Brandon Artman, Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral Parish, will preside over the blessing. Following the Liturgy of the Word, he will bless pets of all kinds and distribute special medals. The celebration will conclude with light refreshments for both owners and pets.

Please note owners must leash their pets or keep them inside of their cages.

Background on Saint Francis of Assisi and the Blessing of Animals

The Blessing of Animals dates back more than 800 years ago to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), the Patron Saint of the environment and animals.

In Laudato Si (“Praise be to you, Lord”), Pope Francis describes Saint Francis as “A mystic and Pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature, and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.”

To read the Holy Father’s encyclical released in 2015, please visit https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html.

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Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Blessing of Animals at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, please visit http://www.cathedralphila.org. 

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Contact:

Ellen J. Gallagher
Communications Coordinator
215-587-3747 (office)