Dogs, Cats & Bearded Dragons Get Blessed
Rockaway’s animals are blessed. On Tuesday, October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assissi, St. Francis de Sales held its annual Blessing of the Animals.
The weather cleared up enough for Father Bill Sweeney to gather in the SFDS schoolyard with a crowd of eager furry (and scaley) friends, ready to be blessed. Everything from dogs to cats to even a bearded dragon were in the line up.
Before dousing holy water on each animal, Father Bill led a prayer, saying, “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”
Photos by Katie McFadden.
