Blessing of the pets

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JACKSON – Across the Diocese of Jackson, parishioners gathered with their pets for blessing ceremonies, giving thanks for the animals that bring companionship and joy to their lives. The photos on this page capture these celebrations of faith and the special bond between people and their pets.
The blessing of animals is traditionally held near the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, whose love for God’s creation continues to inspire the faithful. Known as the patron saint of animals, St. Francis reminds us to recognize the goodness of all God has made and to treat living creatures with care and compassion.
These gatherings offer an opportunity to thank God for the comfort, laughter and love our pets bring into our homes. They also remind us of our responsibility to care for the animals entrusted to us and to be good stewards of the world we share.

CLEVELAND – Father Kent Bowlds with Frank, his 9½-year-old English springer spaniel whose formal name is “Pup Francis,” after Pope Francis. Father Andrew Bowden suggested the name while serving in the parish as a seminarian. Father Bowlds says Frank makes him laugh every day, fetches papers from his printer — sometimes when he would rather he didn’t — and can hear a food wrapper opening from 100 yards away. (Photo courtesy of Father Kent Bowlds)
SOUTHAVEN – Father David Szatkowski, SCJ, blesses Baby Girl, a puppy held by Sacred Heart School student Ben Lowery. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
SOUTHAVEN – Father David Szatkowski, SCJ, blesses Kiwi, a lizard held by Sacred Heart School student Layla Cook. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
TUPELO – Father Henry Shelton blesses family pets at St. James Parish on Oct. 2 in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)
CLINTON – Father Lincoln Dall blesses pets at Holy Savior Parish on Sunday, Oct. 4. (Photo by Robert Gatewood)
MADISON – Father Will Foggo blesses pets at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Joining him are Edna Scapinello with her dog Maggie and Mary Jane Lemon and her daughter Murphy with their dogs Poppy and Daisy. (Photo by Sallie Ann Inman)
GRENADA – Father Joseph Ashok Thumma joins Hans Campbell with Autumn, Kathy Everhart with Greta and Myra Liberto with Brady during the blessing of pets at St. Peter Parish in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. (Photo by Raymond Liberto)