Blessing of the Animals held for Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Several Catholic churches in the Diocese of Dallas will hold special "Blessing of the Animals" prayer services this week. The blessing is held in observance of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4th. Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals and is known for his love of all of God’s creatures in nature.

Animal lovers are invited to bring their pets to the following churches to receive a special blessing administered by the pastors. All animals must be either leashed or caged and attended by their owner.

If your parish is not listed, please email and we will get your event added to our listings.

Thursday, October 4th

Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church - after 8:00 a.m. Mass (approx. 8:30 a.m.)
3741 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75214 (Map)

Reverend John Libone will preside at a blessing ceremony on the field side parking lot of the upper school shortly after the 8 a.m. Mass at approximately 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

St. Jude Chapel - Starting at 10:00 a.m.
1521 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201 (Map)

Father Jonathan Austin will be blessing animals starting at 10:00 a.m., and continue through the beginning of the 11:40 a.m. Mass. He will also bless pets between the 11:40 a.m. Mass and the 12:15 p.m. Mass, and after the 12:15 Mass until approximately 1:00 p.m.

Friday, October 5th

Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church - after 8:00 a.m. Mass (approx. 8:45 a.m.)
720 South Floyd Road, Richardson TX 75080 (Map)

Reverend David Flori will bless animals at 8:45 a.m. following the 8 o’clock Mass on the SPS field. In conjunction with the Feast of Saint Francis, Pre-K students at Saint Paul have held a towel and blanket drive to provide bedding for the animals housed at the City of Richardson’s Animal Shelter.

Saturday, October 6th

Holy Trinity Catholic Church - 9:00 a.m.
3811 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219 (Map)

The blessings will take place at the lawn behind the Holy Trinity Pastoral Center.

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - 10:00 a.m.
8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034 (Map)

St. Francis of Assisi in Frisco will hold its blessing ceremony on the west parking lot of the church at 10 a.m. Reverend Zach Webb, parochial vicar, will preside over the blessing ceremony.

St. Monica Catholic Church - 9:00 a.m.
9933 Midway Rd., Dallas, Texas 75220 (Map)

All parishioners are invited to bring their pets to St. Monica at 9 a.m. on Oct. 6 for a special blessing in honor of the Feast of St. Francis (which falls on Oct. 4). Meet Fr. Bierschenk at the statue of Mary between the Church and the Family Center.