Pets honored guests at cathedral Mass

Father Gregory Sakowicz and Father Andy Matijevic concelebrated a outdoor Mass where pet parents brought their animals to celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, in Holy Name Cathedral’s courtyard on Sept. 30, 2023. Following the Mass animals were individually blessed by both priests. Pet blessings took place at churches around the archdiocese in celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on or near Oct. 4, recalling the saint's love for all creation, especially animals.(Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Two dogs say hello before the outdoor Mass for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment begins in Holy Name Cathedral’s courtyard on Sept. 30, 2023. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Pets and their parents wait for Mass to begin. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Pets and their owners stand in the courtyard during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A dog gets a smooch from its mom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The seats were full for Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Dogs greet humans. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Dogs check out their surroundings during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Humans take part in Mass with their pets. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Gregory Sakowicz and Father Andy Matijevic concelebrated an outdoor Mass where pet parents brought their animals to celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Participants have nice weather for the Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Pets accompany their parents in the line for Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A pet owner receives Communion with his dog in tow. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Greg blesses dogs with holy water. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Andy blesses a dog. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Andy receives a greeting from Mia, a Samoyed, after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Tony Valdivieso holds onto Airwof while he receives a blessing from Father Greg. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Nobelle delaRosa takes a picture while Father Andy greets Chauncey. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Molly the French bulldog gets a treat after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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