Each year in early October, millions of people around the world have their pets blessed during an annual blessing of the animals ceremony.
The event is held in celebration of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi, and his love for all animals.
St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, was born in Italy around 1181 or 1182.
St. Francis cared for the poor and sick, he preached sermons to animals, and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II paid tribute to Francis' love for creation by declaring him the patron saint of ecologists. In a following speech, the Pope encouraged others to follow the example of Saint Francis by embracing all creatures as members of a single family and by offering respect, dignity, and care to each family member.