On Sunday, October 3, 2010, the Old North Church and the Animal Rescue League held the annual Blessing of the Animals in the Prado. This custom is conducted in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology whose remembrance day is Oct. 3, and his love for all creatures. St. Francis wrote the “Canticle of the Creatures,” an ode to God’s living things: “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Many centuries after St. Francis, pets provide companionship, share in joys and sorrows, and teach their owners in many ways about the gift of love. (View more photos by Michelle Morgan.)