Animal Blessing at St. John the Divine

On a sunny Sunday morning, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at St. John the Divine in Manhattan for the annual animal blessing event, coinciding with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This tradition has transformed over decades, once featuring an array of animals from camels to miniature ponies, and has now embraced a wide variety of pets.

“People are incredibly excited to bring their pets here,” said Laura Bosley, the cathedral’s executive director of programming. “We see many who come with sick pets or those that have recently passed, bringing pictures for our clergy to bless.”

Among the blessed animals, there were not just cats and dogs; recent years have brought tarantulas, butterflies, and even a chicken named Lady Gaga to the forefront of the ceremony.

“For many, pets are like their children,” Bosley noted. However, she remarked that this year’s parade would showcase fewer exotic animals compared to previous years.

While the cathedral typically hosts a lively display of domesticated animals, John De Leonard from Humane Long Island raised concerns about using animals for entertainment, arguing that it sends the wrong messages regarding responsible pet ownership. He praised the church’s decision to scale back on hiring animals for these events.

In response, Bosley emphasized a commitment to using animals that are accustomed to large gatherings. “This day is about honoring all of God’s creatures while also respecting animal advocates,” she stated.

The event attracted a massive crowd, with attendees waiting in line for their pets to receive blessings. Among them were sisters Julissa and Jumilna Alcober, who brought their parakeets, Rio and Lemon. “Rio was sick a few months back, and we wanted him to feel the love,” Julissa explained as she recalled their late bird that lived for 16 years.

Another attendee, Dawn Wells from East Harlem, brought her beagle, Chloe, emphasizing the importance of this unique cultural experience. “I’ve been wanting to come to this for over a decade,” she shared, reflecting on her university days nearby.

May W., a regular participant from Harlem, humorously described her Australian Shepherd mix’s antics. “She destroys all my slippers!” she laughed, appreciating the intention behind the blessings offered by the Anglican priests, which she felt were heartfelt and genuine.

Each year, the event wraps up, celebrating the connection between humans and their pets in a way that feels special and reflective of the community’s love for their furry companions.