Schools and parishes celebrate St. Francis’s love for creation

By Mary Powers

The Solemnity of St. Francis is filled with many celebrations across the Archdiocese each year including traditional pet blessings for families, individuals and even for K9 officers of the police force.

At Mater Dolorosa, Contemplative of St. Joseph, Father Vito Perrone led a pet blessing for the parish and the South San Francisco Police Department. Officers Finnegan and Arena brought Ace and Lobo for a blessing.

Local schools also held pet blessings with special guests. St. Cecilia’s students brought pictures of their pets along with stuffed animals to include in the blessing. Holy Name School included the San Francisco Police Department K9 unit and horses from their Mounted Patrol Units. St. Patrick’s School in Larkspur, Good Shepherd School in Pacifica and St. Catherine of Siena School in Burlingame included live animals in their blessings including snakes, fish, and hamsters.

View the gallery below for pictures from across the Archdiocese honoring our patron saint’s love for God’s creation.

Photos by Colleen Hera and courtesy of Archdiocesan schools.