“Saint Anthony is an inspiration because he is the protector of animals. In my case, as the protector of my farm, I care so much about this day and think about it throughout the entire year,” an attendee of the event Fulvio shared. 

On the feast of St. Anthony Abbot, St. Peter’s Square teemed with horses, cows, donkeys, chickens, and rabbits. On January 17th, farmers and pet owners brought their beloved animals to the Vatican for a special blessing. 

“We are here today to be blessed,” another attendee Elena said, “And we come every year and it's really important for us, for animals and even because we work with pet therapies as you can see, we got horses, donkeys and they, they get people to feel better in our farms.” 

While many American Catholics associate animal blessings with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in Italy, farmers traditionally honor St. Anthony Abbot, the patron saint of domestic animals. 

Fulvio noted, “This event is important because it is the blessing of the animals, and since we are raising these animals, we place great importance on this day for their blessing.” 

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, began the day's celebration with a Mass attended by members of the Italian Breeders Association. Following the Mass, he offered a special blessing for the animals and their breeders. 

Adapted by Jacob Stein 

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