Rain doesn’t deter pets or owners from blessing

Ronin Whelan holds his parakeet, Molotov, at the pet blessing outside St. Ann Church Oct. 7. Ann M. Augherton | Catholic Herald

Missionhurst Fr. Ange Masuta Mafuta, parochial vicar of St. Ann Church in Arlington, leads a pet blessing outside the church on a rainy Oct. 7. The annual tradition coincides with the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Ann M. Augherton | Catholic Herald

Fr. Kevin J. Larsen, pastor of St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg, blesses about a dozen pets Oct. 7. Courtesy

Two sisters present their pet guinea pig and rabbit for a blessing at St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg Oct. 7. Courtesy

Fr. Frederick H. Edlefsen, pastor, speaks to parishioners outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington Oct. 8 prior to the annual pet blessing. Courtesy

Parishioners stand with their dogs outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington for the annual pet blessing Oct. 8. Courtesy

Fr. Frederick H. Edlefsen, pastor, blesses pets outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington Oct. 8. Courtesy