The History of Blessing Animals

By doerrerb1
  • St. Francis of Assisi Born
    Dec 1, 1181

    St. Francis of Assisi Born

    St. Francis, the inspiration behind the Blessing of the Animals was born in Assisi, Italy.
  • St. Francis' Feast Day Begins
    Oct 3, 1226

    St. Francis' Feast Day Begins

    St. Francis' Feast Day, one day after his death, becomes a yearly celebration, which involved the earliest known instances of animals being blessed.
  • Pope John Paul II Names St. Francis the Patron Saint of Ecology.

    Pope John Paul II Names St. Francis the Patron Saint of Ecology.

    St. Francis was known for his love of nature and on this day he was officially recognized as representing it.
  • Blessing of the Animals begins at St. John's

    Blessing of the Animals begins at St. John's

    The very first Blessing of the Animals performed at St. John's Cathedral in NYC, arguably the largest performance of the ceremony.