You Can Get Your Pets Blessed By A Boston Reverend This October

BOSTON, MA — Thanks to a Boston-based animal welfare and pet loss counseling nonprofit, you can get your pet blessed virtually this October.

The organization, Animal Talks, will hold its first Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 6 in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Francis, a Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans, is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. His feast day is simply an annual religious celebration dedicated to St. Francis — a day on which it has become a tradition to hold animal blessings in his honor.

The blessings will be conducted via Zoom beginning at 1 p.m. EST, according to Animal Talks. Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny, founder and director of Animal Talks, will lead the ceremonies "with his signature warmth and compassion," they added.

"Participants are invited to join with their pets, or share a photograph of a beloved pet who has passed," according to Animal Talks. "During the blessing, Kaleel, an esteemed animal chaplain and pet grief and loss counselor, reads the names of all the animals being blessed, shares poems, and reflects on the profound bond between humans and their animal companions. Participants then have a chance to talk about how their beloved pet has affected their lives."

Additional blessings are scheduled for March 16, 2025, and June 15, 2025. You can register by visiting Animal Talks Blessing of the Animals. The Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 6th requires a $5 tax-deductible registration fee and Zoom details are provided upon registration.

"St. Francis of Assisi is renowned for his deep love and respect for animals and nature," Sakakeeny said. "He believed that all creatures are a reflection of God's love and should be treated with compassion and kindness. The Blessing of the Animals on October 6th is a way to honor his legacy while thanking the animals for their presence, love, and loyalty."

Animal Talks added that the virtual format allows those who may not have access to a local blessing to participate, making it an international event.

"Participants can attend from the comfort of their homes, which is convenient and less stressful for the pets," according to the organization. "There’s no need to travel with a pet who might be old, sick, or anxious. Participants simply log on to Zoom at the scheduled time."

In addition to virtual blessings, Animal Talks hosts monthly Grief and Loss Healing Circles to provide support and comfort to those mourning the loss of a pet, the organization said. They also offer one-on-one personal grief and loss counseling "to anyone who has suffered a major loss of any kind."

Sakakeeny added that anyone who would like to contact him about personal counseling or loss and healing journey questions can email him at kaleel@animaltalksinc.com.