Blessing of the Animals in Schwarzhäusern

On 4 October the Church remembers Saint Francis of Assisi, who called animals and the elements of creation his brothers and sisters. It is the day on which the blessing of pets is celebrated around the world. This year the gathering takes place in Schwarzhäusern, in the garden restaurant of the Restaurant Grossweier.

When and where
Date: Sunday 4 October 2026
Time: 4.00 pm
Venue: Gartenwirtschaft, Restaurant Grossweier, 4911 Schwarzhäusern
Phone: 062 962 38 78

The pergola is sheltered and the winter garden is available, so the event goes ahead in any weather.

Who leads the blessing
The blessing will be given by the Capuchin friar Father Paul Rotzetter. During the afternoon, Anton Schaffner will offer a short remembrance of Anton Rotzetter (1939–2016), a Capuchin known for a Franciscan spirituality centred on respect for creation, on the tenth anniversary of his death.

The artwork accompanying the invitation is by textile artist Annemone Schneck-Steidl.

After the blessing: mushroom risotto
From 5.00 pm mushroom risotto will be served for a symbolic 5 francs — a simple excuse to stay on, talk, and let the dogs get acquainted once the ceremony is over.

Everyone is welcome
The invitation is open to all animal owners and to anyone simply curious about this kind of celebration. The event is organised together with the Restaurant Grossweier, Toni's mobile Hundeschule – 079 627 58 68 – and the Boxer Akademie Niederbipp.

A few practical tips
Several dogs will share the same space, so keep the lead short when the crowd builds up and pack a water bowl. Cats, rabbits and small animals usually stay calmer in their carrier until the moment of the blessing.

Information: 062 962 38 78 Download locandina-tiersegnung-2026