By Laura Brennan
Three horses, two turtles, two snakes and one goose received blessings from Deacon Chris Greer at Notre Dame of Easton for the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi.
Hundreds of cats, dogs and other pets throughout the diocese were blessed at parishes, including St. Leo Roman Catholic Church in Stamford, St. Francis of Assisi in Weston, St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull and St. Margaret Mary in Shelton.
The animal blessing on the Feast of St. Francis is an annual tradition at Notre Dame of Easton.
“It is a wonderful way to celebrate this great saint by honoring creation and giving appreciation to our animal companions,” said Deacon Rick Scinto, who planned the event.
St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, died a deacon on October 3, 1226. He was the founder of the Franciscan Order, and he is said to have preached God’s word to birds and animals. Pope Leo XIV declared that the special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis will take place from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
More than 200 people brought dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks and a lizard to St. Leo’s in Stamford for blessings. The date coincided with the 65th anniversary of the first Mass at St. Leo’s, doubling the celebration.
“When we bless the animals we give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of his creation, we ask his protection for our pets, and we pray for their owners: that we learn from what God wants to teach us through our animals,” said Father Javier Nieva, DCJM, pastor.
Raasikh Joseph, who was fully initiated into the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday 2026, brought ice cream and pup cups from his newly opened Longford’s Ice Cream store for the celebration. His confirmation sponsor, Kathy Heslin, helped plan the event and served by his side that day.
Children of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull brought their favorite stuffed animals to the 9am Mass for blessings. The children showed their stuffed animals their best Mass behavior and Father Marcello offered the blessing. Many of the children brought their stuffed animals to venerate the relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, which were on display that weekend. At 3 pm, the live blessing of the animals took place outside.
St. Francis of Assisi in Weston celebrated their patron saint with an animal blessing followed by their 16th annual Family Fun Carnival. Father Augustine Nguyen, pastor, began the blessing by saying that the animals are part of God’s creation and have a role in human life. The many dogs and cats in attendance received medals for their collars that read, “St. Francis of Assisi – Protector of Animals – Protect My Pet.”
