Blessing of the Animals 2025
In celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of all of God's creatures, several churches will hold Blessing of the Animals prayer services.
Animal lovers are invited to bring their pets to have them blessed and gently sprinkled with holy water. The services are a way of thanking God for the pets that bring joy to so many.
Here are the Blessing of the Animals ceremonies listed by date and location:
October 4, 2025
Parish of the Holy Savior Rectory, Mexico
The Parish of the Holy Savior will hold a Blessing of the Animals prayer service in the parking lot of the rectory, located at 7 Brown Street in Mexico, on Saturday, October 4, at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to bring their leashed/contained pet for a special blessing.
Sacred Heart Church, Yarmouth
The Parish of the Holy Eucharist will hold the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth.
St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Norway
In commemoration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish will hold a Blessing of the Animals prayer service at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Norway on Saturday, October 4, a 10 a.m.
St. Gregory Church, Gray
The Parish of the Holy Eucharist will hold the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4, at 9:30 a.m. outside St. Gregory Church, 24 North Raymond Road in Gray.
St. Mary Church, Bangor
St. Paul the Apostle Parish will hold a Blessing of the Animals service outside St. Mary Church, 768 Ohio Street in Bangor, on Saturday, October 4, at 9 a.m. All are welcome to bring their well-behaved animals, (leashed or in crates please) to receive a blessing.
St. Mary of the Visitation Church, Houlton
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish will hold a Blessing of the Animals prayer service, sponsored by the Heart of St. Francis Secular Franciscan Fraternity, on Saturday, October 4, at 1 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton. All animals big and small are welcome, but for secure reasons, they must be leashed or secured.
