Parishes and schools across the Archdiocese of Vancouver celebrated a time-honoured tradition for the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. 

Modelling St. Francis’ love for animals and nature, priests welcomed parishioners and students along with their four legged, furry, and not-so-furry pets to be blessed.

Below are Father Joseph Nguyen, OFM, from St. Joseph the Worker in Richmond, Father Patrick Tepoorten from Church of the Assumption in Powell River, and Father Alessandro Lovato from St. Helen’s in Burnaby.


St. Joseph the Worker Church

Father Joseph Nguyen, OFM, at St. Joseph the Worker.

Assumption Catholic School, Powell River

Father Patrick Tepoorten at Assumption Catholic School.


St. Helen’s Elementary, Burnaby

Father Alessandro Lovato at St. Helen’s Elementary.