Dromedary, owl, giant snake, dogs, cats and even a small caiman… Hundreds of animals were blessed on Sunday at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York by the city’s bishop to commemorate St. Francis of Assise big animal lover.
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It took three people to carry this yellow python into the cathedral. But regardless of their size or species, all of the animals present at Sunday’s celebration of the life of Francis of Assisi, the Catholic Church’s saint, were blessed.
AFP
The service was led by Bishop of the Diocese of New York, Andrew Dietsche.
Jon Shweky, Jewish, and Christine Cookman, Catholic, brought their black Labrador to become a guide dog in November.
AFP
His owners hope the blessing brings him “good health and good luck”, Ms Cookman told AFP, stressing that it is “amazing to be involved in a church that recognizes the souls of animals”.
The ceremony, organized on October 1, had not taken place since 2018 due to a fire in 2019 and the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic.
Kirstin Portecella, 62, and her mother Dagmar came with their little dog “Sadie” and said they were happy to be able to go to church with her on the only day of the year when animals are welcomed there. They are united by “unconditional love,” she explains.
The neo-Gothic cathedral, which can accommodate around 1,500 people, was almost full on Sunday. For $15, teachers were able to attend Bishop Dietsche’s two-hour service and bless their companion.
AFP
Most dogs were eligible for a blessing and were generally calm, although they barked a bit. However, many became excited when a camel that lives on a state farm barged in.
However, the white camelid was not the only surprising animal of the day, as was the large yellow python, carried on the shoulders of two people and supported by a third person.
AFP
Andreas Dietsche brought a small caiman with him, which was also blessed. Also passing by was an owl, a miniature pony and even an ostrich, each led into the church by white-clad volunteers while the other animals waited outside for their turn.
The ceremony also included a performance by the cathedral choir and a ballet by Afro-descendants.