Paws Get Blessed: From Manila to Aurora, Our Pets Deserve a Hallelujah
Last week in Manila, the historic Malate Church opened its doors for a heartwarming tradition: the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Hundreds of parishioners lined up with dogs, cats, and even a few turtles to receive a sprinkle of holy water and—critically—free rabies vaccinations courtesy of the city veterinary office. It was faith meeting public health in the best possible way.
It’s a scene that feels familiar to Aurora pet parents. Every October, churches across our city—from St. Therese in Aurora Hills to Resurrection in Heather Gardens—host their own Blessing of the Animals services. It’s the one Sunday you’ll see a Golden Retriever sitting patiently next to a nervous rescue cat in the pews, both getting a blessing for the year ahead.
But the Manila event highlights something we sometimes take for granted: access. Here in Arapahoe and Adams counties, low-cost vaccine clinics are regular fixtures at the Aurora Animal Shelter and through partners like PetAid Colorado. No appointment? The shelter’s monthly "Vaccine & Microchip" clinics (usually the first Saturday) welcome walk-ins. It’s the practical side of stewardship St. Francis would appreciate.
So whether you’re heading to a parish lawn this Sunday or marking your calendar for the next free clinic at the shelter, the message is the same: loving them means protecting them. Bring the leash, bring the carrier, and maybe pack a treat for the wait. — Aurora Editor
