NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The annual “Blessing of the Animals” took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Sunday.
Photo credit Michelle Leifer
Crowds gathered with their animals at the iconic church at West 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue for the beloved, decades-old tradition.
Photo credit Michelle Leifer
The event, which marks the feast of St. Francis, starts with a service and the procession of animals.
Photo credit Michelle Leifer
It is then followed with a fair where the clergy bless the animals which this year included dogs, birds, a goat and even a camel.
Photo credit Michelle Leifer
“The significance of celebrating his feast is to say that everything that exists is connected to everything else,” Rev. Patrick Molloy told 1010 WINS.
Photo credit Michelle Leifer