Sights & Sounds: Embracing creation in the Year of St. Francis
The Year of St. Francis continues as the Church marks 800 years since the death of “Il Poverello” (The Little Poor One). As is traditional in the days around his Oct. 4 feast, people brought dogs, cats, birds, and even fish and lizards to parishes like Saint Vincent de Paul in Bayonne — where Deacon Michael Missaggio sprinkled holy water on many furry friends outside the historic church.
Patron saint of the animals and the environment, St. Francis of Assisi reminds us that we are called to cherish and care for God’s creation. He also teaches us to live in peace in the world and with each other, as Pope Leo XIV explained in a letter to open this special Jubilee year:
“The Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to the relations between human beings but also embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun ‘brother’ and the moon ‘sister’, who recognizes in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must be extended to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation. Peace with God, peace among human beings and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”
– Pope Leo XIV, January 10, 2026
At St. Vincent’s, parishioners chose to follow the Franciscan vision of peacemaking by opening their celebration to the whole Bayonne community.
To view more photos of animal blessings around the Archdiocese of Newark, CLICK HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Deacon Michael Missaggio blesses a dog outside St. Vincent de Paul Church in Bayonne, NJ. (Photos courtesy St. Vincent De Paul Parish)
