‘Blessing of the Animals’ at NYC cathedral

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.

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place on Sunday.

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place 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.

The annual blessing of the animals at the cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street in Morningside took place on Sunday.

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place on Sunday.

Photo credit Michelle Leifer

The event, which marks the feast of St. Francis, starts with a service and the procession of animals.

The annual blessing of the animals at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside took place on Sunday.

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place on Sunday.

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.

The annual blessing of the animals at the cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street in Morningside took place on Sunday. Michelle Leifer

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place on Sunday.

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.

The annual blessing of the animals at the cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street in Morningside took place on Sunday.

The annual “Blessing of the Animals” at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights took place on Sunday.

Photo credit Michelle Leifer

Featured Image Photo Credit: Michelle Leifer