HUBBARD, Ohio - Pets were welcomed into the St Patrick Church in Hubbard Saturday to be blessed in the parish's annual pet blessing ceremony.

The blessing was done in honor of St Francis of Assisi, who church members and clergy say was very fond of four-legged friends. Those in attendance said St. Francis' love for not only animals but the world around him is something to aspire to everyday.

"The love of St. Francis, that he showed to the world when he was here, is the love we need to show one another daily in our lives," Deacon Bob Friedman said. "This is just one example of how we spread that love."

The parish has been blessing pets for over 30 years, in honor of the feast of St Francis of Assisi.

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