Sophia Academy, Atlanta, hosted the school’s first “Blessing of the Pets” on Oct. 4 as dogs, cats, reptiles and guinea pigs were blessed.

Marist Father David Musso, the school chaplain, spoke to the school community about St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, and of his care and compassion for animals.

After talking about the biblical call to take care of animals, students carried their pets to Father Musso for a blessing with holy water.