Rochester’s St. Ambrose Church hosted a pet blessing on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 4. Community members were invited to bring their pets on leashes or in carriers to take part in the blessing ceremony in celebration of the patron saint of animals.
Sue Leszczynski holds her cat, Ava, during the Blessing of Animals at Rochester’s St. Ambrose Church Oct. 4.
Tracey Mount holds her dog, Girlie, while it is blessed by Father Robert Schrader.
Father Robert Schrader blesses Francois Piche’s dog, Mercury.
Katie Styrt, pastor of Laurelton Presbyterian Church, blesses a rabbit.
Andrea Guzzetta’s long-haired Chihuahua, Oliver, waits to be blessed.
Terry Speck holds his golden retrievers, Cooper and Abby, during the blessing.
Pets and their owners sit in a circle during the pet blessing.
A canary and a finch were brought in for the blessing.
Frank Sievert’s springer spaniel, Breeze, lies down during the blessing.
