St. Anthony’s Blessing of the Animals (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Calling All Animal Lovers!

St. Anthony’s Annual Beloved Blessing of the Animals is Back at St. Boniface Church

In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony’s will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 2 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the courtyard of St. Boniface Church in the heart of the Tenderloin. Furry, scaled, or winged – all critters are welcome to receive a special benediction from a Franciscan Friar.

WHAT: A beloved San Francisco tradition honoring St. Francis who lived in the 12^th century and is the patron saint of animals and the environment. An opportunity to celebrate our faithful companions, including dogs, cats, and various critters who have brought us much joy and connection throughout the pandemic.

WHO: San Franciscans with their beloved pets in tow (Stuffed animals are welcome too.) Event led by the Franciscan Friars and St. Anthony Foundation staff and volunteers.

WHEN: Sunday, October 2, 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Outdoors in the courtyard of St. Boniface Church, across from St. Anthony’s at 133 Golden Gate Avenue near Jones Street, San Francisco

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Special Pet Awards Ceremony (with prizes!) for “best behaved,” “closest resemblance to owner,” and “most exotic” pet.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, St. Anthony’s will continue the Forum For Good Speaker series featuring a presentation by Fr. Dan Horan at 5:30 p.m. at St. Boniface, followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 p.m. at nearby La Cocina. The theme will be Laudato Si: Nurturing our earth and our human family.

Photo Ops & Interviews:

• Cats, dogs, birds and bunnies, oh my!
  • Interview Opportunities
    • Nils Behnke, CEO, St. Anthony’s
    • Furry friends, as willing, including SFCASA/SF Court Comfort Dog Nemo)

Thank you to our generous sponsor Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Foods.

About St. Anthony Foundation

In the Tenderloin’s struggle with poverty, addiction, and mental illness, St. Anthony Foundation has been a beacon of consistency, companionship, and caring for more than 70 years. We provide our guests with a range of services—from a place to rest or take a shower, clothing, and addiction recovery, to meals, medical care, and workforce development. At St. Anthony’s, we take a different approach, one that delivers meaningful results — Hope. Stability. Renewal.

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Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.