Despite raining cats and dogs just minutes earlier, inclement weather failed to keep a Blessing of the Animals from proceeding as scheduled Oct. 6 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Greece. The 10 a.m. ceremony was officiated by Deacon Ed Knauf, parish deacon. It took place in conjunction with the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment.
Deacon Ed Knauf greets the animals at the start of the pet blessing.
Maurine Beattie brings her dogs Yodi and Shiza forward to be blessed by Deacon Ed Knauf during an Oct. 6 Blessing of the Animals service at Greeces St. John the Evangelist Church.
Cathy Christodaro’s dog, Toby, waits to be blessed.
Gary Kern’s dog Cali watches rain fall before the pet blessing.
Deacon Ed Knauf celebrates the animal blessing service.
Patty Hoag’s dog Maggie is blessed by Deacon Ed Knauf during the service.
St. John the Evangelist parishioners find cover from the rain before the start of the pet blessing.
