University of the Incarnate Word
10/09/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2026 12:19
2026 Blessing of the Animals
2026 Blessing of the Animals
In celebration of the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, students, employees, alumni and community members brought their pets and stuffed animals to receive a blessing this past weekend as we united for a compassionate and peaceful world.
St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan religious order. In many parishes, churches commemorate his feast day by hosting blessing ceremonies for animals.
On Sunday, October 4 the UIW community, gathered at the Lourdes Grotto for this special tradition, led by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI, faculty emerita. Through prayer and song, she invited attendees to celebrate the joy, companionship and unconditional love that pets bring to their owners' lives.
As voices joined together in prayer, offering intentions to God and asking for His protection over their beloved companions, the deep affection the Cardinal community holds for its pets was unmistakable.
Sr. Martha Ann blessed the animals present, as well as the ashes and memorial altars of pets who had passed away. She also extended blessings to several stuffed animals that held sentimental value for their owners. Gently sprinkling each with holy water, she prayed for God's protection and care.
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