Brooklyn parishes celebrate Saint Francis and blessings of the pets
It was raining cats and dogs at Fontbonne Hall Academy’s First Annual Pet Blessing. October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, and many parishes observe the occasion by holding a ceremony at which priests bless the animals in attendance to give them protection for the year.
The event at the Bay Ridge high school, 9901 Shore Road, was held on Saturday, October 4, and was well attended despite the wet weather and the ceremony being held outdoors. In addition to several dogs, there were also a few feline friends brought to the blessing.
“These animals are a special source of blessing for us,” said Father Richard Bretone, who blessed the pets as a group and individually. “They’re beautiful companions and they give us unconditional love, and we take care of them because of that. They remind us so much of God’s inviting love for us.” Bretone also brought his own dog, Buddy, to the blessing.
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