Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, individually greeted many of the animals after offering a blessing on the feast of St. Anthony Abbot, Jan. 17, 2023.

On this day, Mexican Catholic congregations and priests welcome pups, cats and the occasional parrot on the feast day of St. Anthony the Abbot, considered the patron saint of animals.

The event is held every year for the feast of St Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals. Saint Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195 and eventually became a Franciscan monk.

He went away sad, for he had many possessions. Naturally, the church uses this Gospel for the memorial of a man who did take this command quite literally: St. Anthony, abbot.

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot You can find today’s readings here. Do not forget the works of the Lord! What we have heard and know, and what our fathers have declared to us ...

St. Peter’s Square was filled with horses, cows, donkeys, dogs, sheep, chickens, and rabbits on Wednesday for the feast of St. Anthony Abbot. Farmers and pet owners alike brought out their ...

St. Anthony Abbot was a fourth-century hermit known for his asceticism and as a father of monasticism. His holy life in the Egyptian desert was recorded by St. Athanasius in The Life of St. Antony.