A storied tradition carried on last weekend when residents of Brooklyn and Queens flocked to their local parishes to get their pets blessed.
On Oct. 4 each year, the Brooklyn Diocese hosts a “Blessing of the Animals” in commemoration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi — the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.
As in years past, parishioners from across the two boroughs took to their local churches on Sunday to welcome their furry friends to share in their faith.
This year’s blessings adhered to the city and state’s coronavirus-related social distancing guidelines, and took place outside.
“At churches throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, our clergy joined with the faithful in the annual Blessing of the Animals to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi,” said John Quaglione, deputy press secretary for the Brooklyn Diocese. “It was great to see so many of our faithful bring their pets for a special blessing for good health and safety.”
