Dromedary, owl, giant snake, dogs, cats and even a small caiman… Hundreds of animals were blessed this Sunday at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York by the city’s bishop to commemorate Saint Francis of Assisi, great friend of animals.
The ceremony had not taken place since 2018 due to a fire in 2019 and then the Covid-19 pandemic. The neo-Gothic cathedral, which can accommodate around 1,500 people, was almost full. For 15 dollars (14.30 euros), the teachers were able to attend Bishop Dietsche’s two-hour service as well as the blessing of their companion.
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More surprising dogs, cats and other animals
A majority of dogs were candidates for blessing, generally calm despite some barking. Many, however, became agitated when a camel, which lives on a state farm, burst into the procession.
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The white camelid, like the large yellow python carried on the shoulders by two people and supported by a third, was not, however, the only surprising animal of the day. Andrew Dietsche notably blessed a small caiman. Also passing by were an owl, a dwarf pony and even an ostrich, each led into the church by white-robed volunteers, while the other animals waited their turn outside.
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Jon Shweky, Jewish, and Christine Cookman, Catholic, brought their black Labrador, who is to become a guide dog for the blind in November. His owners hope the blessing will bring him “good health and good luck,” Christine Cookman said, noting that it is “amazing to be involved in a church that recognizes the souls of animals.”
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Kirstin Portecella, 62, and her mother Dagmar, came with their little dog “Sadie”, saying they were happy to have been able to go to church with her on the only day of the year when the animals are there accepted. An “unconditional love” binds them, she justified. The ceremony also included a performance by the cathedral choir and a ballet by Afro-descendants.
2023-10-04 07:00:00
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