Pets across the country went to church to get blessed. Yes, you read that right!

This happened in honor of St. Francis Day, celebrating St. Francis of Assisi, on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Video footage shared by pet owners on social media shows pets such as dogs, cats, and even horses visiting the church where they were blessed during the Blessing of the Ani mals. The Catholic tradition is also celebrated by some Anglican and Protestant communities.

Guadalupe Martinez, a resident of Altadena, California, took her grey cockatiel, Paco, to the church for blessings.

"Having your pet blessed can be a really heartwarming and joyful experience — it often feels special because it celebrates the bond you have with your pet," Martinez told USA TODAY, adding the community was "excited to ha

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