Photo courtesy of Jill Spero
Prince of Peace pet blessing 2019
Father John Fallon of Prince of Peace Catholic Church gathers with people and at least 50 pets for the 2019 blessing of the pets at the church in Hoover, Alabama, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019.
Father John Fallon of Prince of Peace Catholic Church recently conducted the church’s annual blessing of the pets in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
There were at least 50 pets gathered outside the Hoover church by the columbarium on Oct. 6, including dogs, cats, snakes and a turtle.
St. Francis believed people have a duty to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God's creation and as creatures themselves. Many of the stories that surround the life of Saint Francis say he had a great love for animals and the environment.
