Across the Arlington diocese, the pews gave way to parking lots as dogs, cats, horses and other beloved companions gathered for the annual blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
The popular event is held to honor the patron saint of animals on his Oct. 4 feast day.
At Corpus Christi Church in Aldie, Father Jerry Wooton, in residence, led the blessing in the church parking lot Oct. 4, where many dogs gathered. Father John Paul Heisler, parochial vicar, led the blessing at Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling the same day.
Nativity Catholic Church in Burke held its blessing Oct. 3. At St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church, a variety of animals attended the blessings Oct. 2 and 4 led by Father Michael Sampson, parochial vicar.
Dogs and a horse were among the animals blessed at St. Francis de sales Church in Purcellville Oct. 4.
In Reston, Oblate Father Marc Gherardi, parochial administrator, blessed the cats and dogs at St. Thoman Neumann Church Oct. 4. St. Thomas a Becket Church celebrated the feast with their blessing the same day led by Father Richard Dyer, pastor.
