Devotees gather in Rio for pet blessings during Saint Francis celebrations

Devotees gather in Rio for pet blessings during Saint Francis celebrations

Dogs, cats, parakeets and even a turtle flocked to church with their human owners on Saturday, October 4, to receive a blessing in Rio de Janeiro during a special mass for four-legged friends and other pets.

Saint Francis of Assisi is a saint considered to be the protector of animals and founder of the Franciscan Order. He was born in Italy in 1182 and was known for his love of nature.

He believed household pets and livestock also needed to receive the blessings of God and he became the patron saint of ecologists and animals. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day on October 4, which also became World Animal Day.

REUTERS VIDEO

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