Churches across Northeast Florida are keeping up with a more than 800-year-old tradition, by blessing local cats, dogs, birds, reptiles and other beloved pets.
A blessing of animals is a spiritual ceremony often held on the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, October 4. During the event, people bring their pets and other animals to receive a blessing, honoring God’s love for all living creatures.
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The tradition stems from Saint Francis’s deep affection for animals.
Here’s a list of some of the local pet blessings happening this week:
Saturday, October 4th
- St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS October 4, 2025 11:30 AM at the Cross in the Garden In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, pets...
Posted by St-Ambrose Catholic-Church on Saturday, September 20, 2025
- St. Francis In-The-Field Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach
Celebrate all creatures great and small at our Blessing of the Animals! Find out everything going on this week at St....
Posted by St. Francis In-The-Field Episcopal Church on Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church Jacksonville
The Blessing of the Pets and Animals will be celebrated on Saturday, October 4th at 12 noon. Bring your pets for a...
Posted by Sacred Heart Catholic Church Jacksonville on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Sunday, October 5th
- Trinity Parish in St. Augustine
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 5 | 5–7 PM | Trinity Parish | Rain or shine! Each year, we gather to give...
Posted by Trinity Parish, St. Augustine on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
If we missed any local events, please let us know by sending an email to newstips@wjxt.com.
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