For over 20 years, the pet blessing event has been part of the Philippine celebration of World Animal Day — and it never gets old or boring or repetitious — the animal pet blessing, that is.

It’s true. If you have ever witnessed a Mass with an added blessing right for the pets on World Animal Day, which coincides with the feast of pet-lover St. Francis of Assisi, you understand what I mean.

St. Francis is known for having called all animals “brother” or “sister,” as he asked them to praise God. Legend has it that he would walk the streets and go through byways, inviting everyone to sing with him. 

 And, it is no wonder that, if you are an animal lover or a pet advocate — St. Francis is a saint you look up to and admire.

“The moment when fur parents recited the Pet Owner’s Pledge to their pets was one of the most touching during the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) Pet Blessing,” said executive director Anna Cabrera. “Every year, the pet blessing event is attended by hundreds, and for this year, we had around  400 pets in the SM North Edsa Skydome.”

The pledge is a  heartfelt promise to love, protect and care for their beloved companions for life. 

“The pet parents, looking loving at their pet babies, recited the pledge,” added Cabrera. “The pledge is recited yearly at the end of the Mass, celebrating World Animal Day and the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.” 

PAWS executive director and World Animal Day ambassador for the Philippines Atty. Anna Hashim-Cabrera ended the ceremony by saying “You may now kiss your pet” which elicited a ripple of giggles from the pet-loving crowd before they hugged and kissed their fur babies. It was a touching moment that moved everyone present.