Archdiocese of San Francisco honors patron saint in prayer and celebration

The solemnity of St. Francis is day of great rejoicing and festivities honoring the patron saint of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

The Franciscan tradition of the Transitus of St. Francis is held the night before at the National Shrine of St. Francis in San Francisco and Our Lady of Angels in Burlingame. This service recounts the death of St. Francis and his transition into eternal life.

Then on the solemnity of St. Francis and the weekend before, animal blessings are held in honor of his love for all of God’s creation. Pet owners of all ages bring their beloved friends and co-workers to be blessed by a deacon or priest. This year’s pictures are from: St. Cecilia School, Our Lady of Novato School, St. Timothy School, St. James School, Holy Name School, and the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.