On October 4, many Catholics gather to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Because St. Francis loved all living things, parishes often hold special services to bless animals on his feast day.

At Malate Church in Manila, priests blessed pets – mostly dogs, some cats, and even a snail – on Oct. 4, 2026.

"We are blessing the animals and plants and this is so much in relation to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi," said Father Leonito Distor, the parish priest of Malate Church.

Pet owners walked up the aisle with their companions while priests sprinkled holy water, a simple way to thank the animals for their love and companionship.

The church also organized free pet vaccinations for dogs and cats in the church parking lot.

The ceremony shows how the saint’s role as patron of animals inspires a public blessing that honors and cares for all of God’s creatures.