The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is set to mount on Sunday, Oct. 3, a special mass for the animals and annual pet blessing on World Animal Day and in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4.

(Photo from PAWS Facebook page)

St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Rev. Father Jose Antonio "Joey" Paras, SDB will virtually bless pets. Pet owners will be asked to hold their pets in front of TV screens or computer monitors to receive the virtual blessing.

Pet owners are also encouraged to hold up a picture or urn of their departed pets for them to be blessed as well.

World Animal Day is an annual celebration that aims to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe.

"The pandemic has prompted us to switch to a virtual celebration of this important day to keep everyone safe," PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera said.

"The COVID-19 situation has also highlighted our interconnectedness -- that what happens to one human being affects another in very much the same way that our treatment of animals and the environment affects all lives on this earth," she added.

The event will be live-streamed at the PAWS Facebook page at 4:30 p.m.

#World Animal Day

Animal welfare group to mount blessing of pets on St. Francis Day