Animals Blessed Across Brooklyn

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS – Brooklyn pups and kitties, bunnies and more filled up churches and got to be closer to God at the annual “Blessing of the Animals” on Sunday.

Across the borough, churches held blessing ceremonies for pets in honor of the feast day for St. Francis of Assisi, an important Roman Catholic saint who, among other things, preached about the importance of the preservation of the environment and of animals.

Attendees at Brooklyn Heights’ Grace Church included dogs, cats, a bunny, and a stuffed King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

When the animal reached the dais, the reverend said “may God bless you, protect you, and sustain you, forever and always,” and then splashed the animal with holy water.