Animals rule the weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Oct. 4 is World Animal Day. It is also the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic Church holiday, which is often celebrated with the blessing of the pets. 

Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis deal with his love for animals.

The most famous incident that illustrates St. Francis’ humility towards nature is recounted in the Fioretti (Little Flowers), a collection of legends and folklore that sprang up after his death.

It is said that, one day, while Francis was traveling with some companions, they happened upon a place in the road where birds filled the trees on either side. Francis told his companions to “wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds.” The birds surrounded him, drawn by the power of his voice, and not one of them flew away.

Francis spoke to them:

“My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in every place give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you. You neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore... always seek to praise God.”

Another story is about the wolf of Gubbio. Francis lived for some time in Gubbio and there was a wolf terrifying and ferocious, who devoured men as well as animals. Francis had compassion upon the townsfolk, and went up into the hills to find the wolf. When he found the wolf, he made the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to come to him and hurt no one. Miraculously the wolf closed his jaws and lay down at the feet of St. Francis.

“Brother Wolf, you do much harm in these parts and you have done great evil,” said Francis. “All these people accuse you and curse you... But brother wolf, I would like to make peace between you and the people.”

Francis made a pact between the citizens and the wolf. Because the wolf had “done evil out of hunger”, the townsfolk were to feed the wolf regularly, and in return, the wolf would no longer prey upon them or their flocks.

Legend has it that St. Francis on his deathbed thanked his donkey for carrying and helping him throughout his life, and his donkey wept.

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The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), in cooperation with SM Mall of Asia, Alpo and Friskies, will mount the 2010 World Animal Day Philippine celebration today and tomorrow to acknowledge animal life in all its forms, and to show gratitude to our pets for the diverse roles that they play in our lives — from being our companions, supporting and enriching our existence, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives.

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Today, PAWS and SM Mall Of Asia celebrate World Animal Day with the following activities:

• A free screening of The Cove. The film won the 2009 Academy Award for documentary. The movie is about the violent dolphin trade in Japan. The free screening is at 11 a.m. at the Directors Cinema of SM Mall of Asia.

Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

• At 1 p.m., animal welfare groups open their booths to showcase their work and gather support from animal lovers. Participating organizations include Compassions and Care for Animals (CARA), Animal Kingdom Foundation, Earth Island Institute, WWF-Philippines, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals-Asia Pacific (PETA), Feathered Friends Foundation, SAWS, Palawan Animal Welfare Association and Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA).

• A special photo exhibit on animals will be on display. There will be free grooming, pet massage and vet consultation for pets at MOA today. Kids can get free face painting. Caricature drawing and instant photos until 4 p.m.

• The PAWS Junior Cadets will get inducted during a program at 3 p.m.

• The PAWS Aspin Club members will hold their third get-together with the rest of the pet-loving public for the entire afternoon

• A free concert called “Voices for the Voiceless” featuring South Border, True Faith, Karylle, Rachel Alejandro, NATF, Jan Nieto, Apple Chiu, Regine Tolentino, Drizzle with DNA, Dana, Reasons, Speed Dancers, Kristen Dizon, Reema Changco, Patricia Bermudez, Marco Manalac and other surprise guests is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sponsors of the WAD at SM Mall of Asia are Pet Express, Frontline Plus, McDonald’s, By Nature Handmade Soaps, The Picture Company, Human Nature, Subway, Magic 89.9, Mypetchannel.tv and The Philippine STAR Pet Life Section.

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On October 3, Sunday, PAWS, in cooperation with Eastwood Mall and Pet One, will mount a grand pet blessing in celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

Two-legged and four-legged devotees will lead the procession of the statue of St. Francis around Eastwood City starting 4 p.m. There will be a special Mass for the animals officiated by Father Joey Paras, SDB at 5 p.m. at the Eastwood Open Park. The blessing of the animals will be held after the Mass. Special guests include Bituin Escalante, Regine Tolentino and Leah Patricio.

Sponsors of the pet blessing at Eastwood are Frontline Plus, Merial Philippines and the Philippine STAR Pet Life Section.