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Blessing of the Pets

Story Published: Oct 7, 2012 at 7:49 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2012 at 7:49 PM EDT

It wasn't just humans at St. Anthony's Catholic Church this Sunday.

Dogs, cats, and even a turtle came out to be blessed. 

Every year the church holds a Blessing of the Pets ceremony around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

"Oh, I enjoy it very much," said Father Donald Robinson, St. Anthony's and St. Patrick's Pastor.

"Of course, we all have a great love for St. Francis of Assisi. He was a saint from the late 1100s. He was from Italy. And St. Francis had a great love for all of G-d's creation, including animals, so we bless the pets in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi," Father Robinson explained.

After a short prayer and sprinkling of holy water there was a pet costume contest.

Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham was the judge, and he chose Holly the chocolate lab dressed in an IHC uniform as top dog.
 
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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