St. Anthony the Abbot was one of the earliest saints, and, if St. Athanasius’s biography of him is correct, Anthony lived more than 100 years (251-356). He eventually came to be regarded as a healer of animals as well as of people. His feast day is celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America by bringing household pets and livestock into the churchyard, where the local priest blesses them with holy water. All the animals are carefully groomed and often decorated with ribbons and fresh flowers. In some Latin American cities, the Blessing of the Animals takes place on a different day—often on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary