On 4 October, pets including dogs, cats, tortoises, and a rooster were blessed in ceremonies commemorating the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. This event is observed annually, with churches globally hosting special services to pay tribute to the patron saint of animals. During these celebrations, many attendees bring their pets and livestock to participate in the blessings.
This tradition raises questions about the cultural significance of animal welfare in religious practices and how communities engage with their animals. What might these ceremonies indicate about the relationship between humans and their pets?
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cn83n2gl2nlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss