Hundreds of Pets Receive Blessing at Manhattan’s St. John the Divine

Pet owners across New York City gathered at St. John the Divine in Manhattan to participate in the annual Blessing of the Animals, a tradition honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the saint revered for his connection to the environment and all creatures.

The event featured a Procession of animals—including a camel, horse, cow, snake, birds, and a mini-pony—before clergy blessed pets on the cathedral’s lawn. Pet owners expressed joy, noting how important it is to have their animals recognized and blessed. For some, pets are viewed as family children, and the ceremony provides a meaningful blessing for their health and well-being.

Images captured during the event show diverse animals entering the cathedral, like an owl carried inside and a small calf being blessed by priests. Many participating animals are accustomed to being on stage, provided by animal talent agencies, and possess necessary permits. Despite some concerns from animal rights advocates about using animals for entertainment, organizers emphasized that all animals were treated responsibly and with respect, with some critics urging the church to avoid hiring animals for public displays altogether.

The procession was smaller this year, partly due to objections from animal protection groups. Nonetheless, residents like sisters Julissa and Jumirna Alcober brought their parakeets, Rio and Lemon, for blessings, hoping for ongoing good health. Others, like Dawn Wells, attended with their pets—such as her dog Chloe—for the experience and cultural tradition.

Participants see the blessing as a vital cultural tradition. Many have been attending for years, viewing it as an opportunity to honor their pets’ lives and seek blessings for their health. The clergy ensures the animals are handled respectfully, emphasizing that the celebration is about appreciating all creatures created by divine design.