At a church in the Philippine capital, Manila, the sound of barking dogs mingled with constantly wagging tails as priests carried out the annual blessing of pets for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
By tradition, the feast of St. Francis — the patron saint of animals — is celebrated by the Catholic Church in early October each year. On this occasion, churches around the world open their doors to the faithful, who bring dogs, cats and other pets to receive a blessing.
In Manila, large numbers of people led their pets to the church, creating a lively scene of joyful faces and excited dogs. The rite unfolded in an atmosphere that was solemn yet filled with joy, as priests made the sign of the cross and prayed over each animal in turn.
The event carried not only religious significance but also served as an occasion for the animal-loving community to meet and share their affection for their four-legged friends. For many Filipino families, the blessing has become an eagerly awaited annual activity, helping to bind faith to everyday life.
