Catholic Churches around the world honored Saint Francis of Assissi by welcoming animals to the church on October 4 to receive a special blessing. St. Francis is considered the patron saint of animals and his feast day coincides with World Animal Day.

Parishioners brought creatures great and small to churches making them look like zoos. The animals were blessed in a ceremony that was far from a boring church service. Children, rather than being dragged to church like convicts, were the first to occupy the pews.