Advertisement“For Francis, creatures were not adored in themselves, but admired as signs pointing to God. Rather, animal blessings are a sacramental prayer of the Church invoking God’s protection and goodness over His creatures and those who care for them. This understanding, that animals are part of God’s creation and should be treated with kindness, is even cemented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2416–2418). Mendoza said while there are not many misconceptions among Catholics about animals, it is important to remember the catechism’s various teachings on the topic, citing “Animals are God’s creatures. Mendoza said it's a distinctive opportunity for parishioners to learn about God’s love, especially during the Season of Creation.