Image from www.stjohndivine.org
This time of year at many of the churches in NYC do a special service to Bless the Animals around the time of the birthday St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. All are welcome (space permitting).
The biggest service is at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side) on Sunday, October 6th, at 11 am, followed by the Fair on the Close, which features animal welfare, rescue, and environmental advocacy organizations at 1 pm. And it’s not just dogs – there have been turtles, foxes, and even camels! Note that to attend the service you need to get a general-seating pass, which is handed out beginning at 9:15 am (first-come, first-served). It should go without saying that you can bring your dog to the service. More info at www.stjohndivine.org/StFrancis2013.html.
Other blessings that we know of:
- St Francis Xavier Church (46 West 16th Street) October 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am. More info at www.sfxavier.org/wordpress/event/blessing-of-the-animals-2/
- St. Edmund Church (1902 Avenue T Bet East 19th St. & Ocean Ave. Brooklyn) Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 1pm More info at http://stedmundparish.weebly.com/blessing-of-animals–adoption.html
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel (275 N. 8 Street Brooklyn) Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 1pm.
- St. Bart’s (325 Park Avenue at 51st Street) Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the 9 am and 5pm services. Note: all animals must be restrained and on a leash. More info at www.stbarts.org/blessing-of-the-animals/
- Church of the Holy Trinity (316 East 88th Street) Sunday, October 6, 2013. All services: 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 6:00 PM More info at www.holytrinity-nyc.org/st-francis-day-celebration/