Sainte-Rita church Animals Blessing at The Sainte Rita Church

Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment, and it is customary for Catholic churches to hold ceremonies honoring animals around his feast day.

Once every year Reverend DOMINIQUE PHILIPPE, one of Paris most famous Bishops celebrates for Saint Francis of Assisi's feast day an annual Blessing of the Animals Service at the Sainte Rita Church of Paris. Hundreds of people come from all parts of the region and other parts of France (if not further!), bring their animals and pets to be Christened and to receive Reverend Philippe's blessing. Each and every one of the animals receives a personal blessing to guarantee ‘the divine protection’ which makes the faithful owner feels a little more joyful.

At this occasion the church becomes a true Noah's ark and you'll be surprised by the silence all those animals respects during the ceremony.
If you're in the neighbourood on the first Sunday of November (this year it's on the 5th), pay the Sainte-Rita church a visit you won't regret it...

Sunday, November 4th @ 03:30pm Animals Blessing Service
Sainte Rita Gallican Church27, rue Francois-Bonvin
75015 Paris
Tel: 01 47 34 21
Open everyday but Tuesdays from 09:00am to 12:30 noon and from 03:00pm to 07:00pm
sundays from 08:30 to 01:00pm and 03:30pm to 07:00pm

Metro : Sèvres-Lecourbe or Volontaires