MARION — Fr. Eric Fialho, rector at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion, “holds out hope” that all dogs go to heaven.

“I think that God in his wisdom has a place for all living beings who have had breath on this Earth and that includes the spider and everything else,” he said.

And on Sunday, Oct. 8, Fialho did his part to make that happen by holding a blessing of the pets to mark St. Francis Day. This is the third annual pet blessing held at St. Gabriel’s Church.

“St. Francis of Assisi [is] often associated with animals,” he said. “[St. Francis] always has a bird in his hand if he’s [depicted as] a statue or an icon.”

In previous years, Fialho said he has blessed chickens and snakes, although only dogs, cats and a bunny were in attendance this Sunday.

After the service, Fialho and his congregation had some Halloween fun with a dog costume contest.

Competing this year was Violet, dressed as a mermaid; Bowie, dressed as a chef; Maddie, dressed as a queen bee; Kylo, dressed as The Beast from Beauty and the Beast; Clipper, dressed as a Celtics player; and Cosi, wearing her tutu.

To the tune of “Monster Mash,” the dogs walked past a table of judges and the winners were chosen.

In first place was Maddie, in second place was Clipper and Violet took third place.

“I think people are looking for fun in their faith lives too,” said Fialho. “This is that intersection between faith and fellowship and fun.”