A tiny puppy receives prayers at the Blessing of the Animals celebration in 2021. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Father Kien Kieu of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anza will bless some of the valley’s finest pets Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. in a special ceremony just for them. The event coincides with the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and of animals.The short ceremony will bless any and all pets from dogs, cats, tortoises and parrots to horses, goats and other livestock.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.”As pets line up with their devoted owners, Father Kieu will recite the blessing.“The a
