Pets receive a special blessing in Manila every year

Every year on October 4, Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, by bringing their pets for a special blessing. Parishioners in Manila lined up on Sunday for the priest to sprinkle holy water on their pets, which included dogs, cats and a snail. The special annual blessing is to honour St Francis’ call to respect and care for all of God’s creation.