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Some might chuckle at the sight of a camel strutting down the aisle of a church, but for many animal lovers, this quirky spectacle is a testament to how they treat their pets like family. On October 1, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan opened its doors to an array of furry, scaly, and feathered friends for the annual Blessing of the Animals, celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of pets and animals.
Hundreds of animals, from dogs and cats to snakes and ostriches, joined their humans in this beloved tradition. After a hiatus since 2018 due to a fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returned with a flourish, filling the neogothic cathedral with a symphony of barks, meows, and the occasional squawk.
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Attendees from various faiths brought their pets for a sprinkle of grace, including Jon Shweky and Christine Cookman, who came with their black labrador. “We wanted to bring him for a blessing before he went in to become a guide dog,” Cookman shared, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the event.
With space for around 1,500 humans and their animal companions, the service featured a mix of excitement and a few moments of chaos, like when a camel's unexpected parade through the pews caused a stir among the more jittery pets. One brave animal even left its mark—literally—on a stone column, proving that even the best-behaved pets can have their off days.
For many, like Kristin Portecella, who attended with her dog Sadie, the event is a cherished opportunity to honor the unconditional love that pets bring into their lives. “They are part of our family,” she said, echoing the sentiments of countless other attendees.
As the Blessing of the Animals continues to be a heartwarming highlight of the year, it’s clear that for many, it’s not just a fun event but a deeply meaningful celebration of the bonds we share with our four-legged—and no-legged—friends.
[Source: AFP]
