Brief
Abu Dhabi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral to Bless Pets on Oct 4
Families are invited to bring their animals to the cathedral for a ceremony at 3 pm, marking the tradition linked to St. Francis.
By Felo News Desk · Published
St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi will hold its annual Blessing of Pets on Sunday, 4 October, at 3 pm, according to Gulf News.
What happened
The ceremony will take place near the cathedral’s main stage, inviting families to bring dogs, cats and other companion animals for a special blessing that aligns with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
What the reports add
The Gulf News article notes that the event follows last year’s gathering, when parishioners and their pets shared the afternoon. It explains that the tradition is tied to St. Francis, the 13th‑century friar regarded by Catholics as the patron saint of animals and ecology.
What was said
“From last year’s Blessing of Pets, a parish afternoon that looked a little different from the usual, with pets and their families sharing in the blessing,” the cathedral wrote in a Facebook post, Gulf News reported.
How it came about
St. Joseph’s Cathedral serves a large expatriate Catholic community in the UAE capital, offering services in several languages. The Blessing of Pets provides a way for pet owners to express gratitude for their companions and to acknowledge the responsibility of caring for them.
Key facts
- The Blessing of Pets will be held on 4 October at 3 pm. (gulfnews.com)
- The ceremony takes place at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. (gulfnews.com)
- The event coincides with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (gulfnews.com)
- Families are invited to bring their animal companions. (gulfnews.com)
- The cathedral posted about the event on Facebook. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Abu Dhabi’s annual pet blessing returns: Celebrate St. Francis Day with your beloved animals”
