Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals
University of San Francisco Gleeson Plaza
Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with the University of San Francisco community at our annual Blessing of the Animals.
Join us for 10 a.m. Mass at St. Ignatius Church, which will conclude with a special blessing of the animals. Following Mass, alumni, students, St. Ignatius parishioners, and friends are invited to gather for a reception with light refreshments on Gleeson Plaza.
Bring your beloved pet as we celebrate the special bond between people, animals, and creation. Complimentary USF-branded pet bandanas will be available while supplies last.
About the Blessing of the Animals
Oct. 4 is observed annually by Jesuit communities and other faith backgrounds around the world as the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. The celebration commemorates his life of service, his devotion to the protection of animals, the environment, and to the poor and underprivileged.
Read our 2023 feature on Celebrating the Patron Saint of Animals »
Important: Event Guidlines
To help ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone, please review the following guidelines before attending with your pet:
- Pets must be leashed, secured in a carrier, or otherwise under their owner's control at all times.
- Owners are responsible for their pet's behavior, supervision, and cleaning up after their pet.
- Pets that appear aggressive, disruptive, uncontrolled, or pose a safety concern to other guests or animals may be asked to leave with their owner.
- Pets must remain within designated event areas.
By attending this event with an animal, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your animal and for any injury, damage, loss, or disruption it may cause. The University of San Francisco is not responsible for the care, supervision, or behavior of participating animals and reserves the right to require any animal and its owner to leave the event if the animal is determined to be unsafe, aggressive, disruptive, or not in compliance with these event guidelines.
Limited USF Pet Bandanas
For reception attendees, limited quantities of complimentary USF-branded pet bandanas will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
USF-branded yellow pet bandana.
