Pet owners, animals gather at Calapan cathedral for St. Francis feast

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Pet owners and animal lovers brought their furry companions to the Sto. Niño Cathedral on Sunday, Oct. 4, to mark the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, nature and ecology.

The celebration, held as part of the Catholic Church’s Season of Creation, began with an 8 a.m. Mass at the cathedral grounds, followed by the traditional blessing of pets.

Dogs, cats and other companion animals joined their owners in the gathering, which emphasized gratitude for the diversity of life and the responsibility to care for God’s creation.

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The pet blessing carried the theme “Part of Creation with Life,” encouraging participants to become responsible stewards of the environment and to extend care and compassion to all living creatures.

Zabdiel Anorico, a college student who brought his dogs Megu and Cloe, said the celebration was both enjoyable and meaningful. “It was fun and meaningful,” Anorico said, adding that organizers also distributed food for dogs and cats.

Churchgoers were encouraged to “pray with love, care with kindness, respect every life, and protect the common home” as part of the celebration’s call for greater compassion toward animals and the environment.

Organizers also held a “Cutiest and Smartest Pet” competition, with the winning pet receiving a prize. 

The celebration ended with a reminder that caring for animals is also part of caring for creation: “Every creature matters. Be part of the change.” /dp