Goldfish, rooster and hundreds of pets blessed at Quito plaza for Saint Francis of Assisi

Hundreds of pet owners gathered at San Francisco Plaza in Quito on Saturday (October 3) for the annual blessing of animals, a tradition honouring Saint Francis of Assisi's connection with animal welfare. 

Franciscan priests blessed dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, roosters and even the ashes of beloved dead pet during the ceremony held on October 3, one day earlier than the traditional October 4 date. 

The Catholic Church established the tradition in connection with Saint Francis of Assisi, recognised as the patron saint of ecology and animals. The World Animal Protection Organisation designated October 4 as Animal Day in 1929, and the blessing tradition is observed across Latin American countries.

Camera and Production: Tito Correa, Editing: Hugo Monnet/Reuters