Father Alphonsus sprinkles the pets with holy water at the Blessing of the Animals ceremony at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Diane Sieker photo
Father Alphonsus of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anza blessed some of Anza’s pets Friday, Oct. 4, in a special ceremony.Catholic tradition offers the Blessing of the Animals in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all God’s creatures. Francis wrote a “Canticle of the Creatures,” honoring all the Lord’s living things.“All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures,” he said.Pets were lined up with their owners, and Alphonsus recited the blessing:“The animals of God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth and the sea. They share in the ways of human beings. They have a part in our lives. Francis of Assisi recognized this wh
