Wagga's Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School hosted a blessing of the animals

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish held a blessing of the animals on Saturday morning.

Josh Goonan, the member of the Kooringal Sacred Heart Parish Council, said it is usually held around the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi which is October 4.

“He loved animals and all nature and creation,” he said.

“He used to sing to the birds and pray with animals and generally care creation and that became a tradition of bringing your pets along to be blessed by him.”

Mr Goonan said it was the first time the blessing of animals had been held at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.

“Pope Francis has declared September until October 4 as the season of creation, when he wants everyone to reflect on it,” he said.

“We have just had the new landscaping here and we thought we’ll have that blessed and animals too, all in the spirit of Saint Francis. 

“We have a few dogs, a cat and a chicken.”

Mr Goonan said he hopes the tradition would become an annual one at the school and parish. 

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