Pet weddings highlight animal blessing ceremony in the Philippines

Owners Ianne De Guia and Bryan Largo, who joined hundreds of other pet lovers for the animal blessing, said Michi and Mochi -- dressed in a gown and tuxedo for the occasion -- were able to cement their union after recently having puppies.

The canine couples took the plunge at a park by a shopping mall where hundreds of animals, including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, also received blessings in a drive-through and in-person ceremony from a priest who sprinkled them with holy water.

A priest sprinkles holy water at a cat at a drive-through pet blessing, ahead of World Animal Day, at a mall in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 2, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Lisa Marie David

It was the first in-person ceremony since the pandemic to mark World Animal day - celebrated worldwide to recognise animal rights and welfare - which falls on October 4, also the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

"The reason why pet blessings are important for us is for their protection, guidance from (the) Lord, especially good health and long life, and hopefully they won't get sick," said Paula Pacis, who had her five Shih Tzus blessed.