‘Blessing of the Pets’ events happening across Northeast Florida this weekend
Blessing of the Pets event at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Jacksonville in 2023 (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)
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.
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
St. Francis In-The-Field Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Jacksonville
Sunday, October 5th
Trinity Parish in St. Augustine
If we missed any local events, please let us know by sending an email to newstips@wjxt.com.
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Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
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