The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 55 Cranberry Street will be one of many churches in our area participating in the yearly Blessing of the Animals. It’s all part of the Feast of St. Francis:
Time Out NY: Are your kids longing to honor their dog, cat or guinea pig, or just want a chance to parade their prized pet in public? Then the Blessing of the Animals is an event they won’t want to miss. Because of his affinity with living things, Francis of Assisi is remembered as the patron saint of animals. On the first Sunday on October, many congregations throughout the city celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis by inviting folks (religious and otherwise) to bring their pets to church to receive a blessing.
A few tips: Be sure to leash your pet, or bring it in a sturdy carrier. If your child’s hamster is high-strung or his tabby is timid, leave the animal at home. Many churches are happy to bless a photo; some will even bless stuffed toys. And even if you don’t have a pet, it’s worth checking out all the furry fun.
