Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine: 25th Anniversary (Gallery)

October 4, 9:00 PMNew York Groove ExaminerDomenick Pilla

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On Sunday, October 4th, the 25th annual celebration of Saint Francis and the Blessing of the Animals ceremony was held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City. The event has grown larger each passing year as it has gained in popularity and currently draws standing room only crowds.  Although the day is celebrated worldwide, the Saint John the Divine event is the largest in the world.

Saint Francis, born in Assisi in 1182 was the son of a wealthy merchant. His life took a turn when he encountered street beggars and lepers. Afterwards, he devoted his life to the poor, renouncing all material values.  He became renowned for his love, simplicity, and practice of poverty. He was also, of course, known for his love of animals, speaking to them as his friends. 

Pets and their people lined up early for the event. The line which had originally started at Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street, eventually reached back to 110th street and beyond. Representatives from all walks of the animal kingdom were in attendance, including of course, dogs and cats, a camel, a llama, chickens and ducks, a monkey, and perhaps a bit early for his favorite season, a reindeer.

      
       Enzo with his person, Amy     Wendy with her servant, Christian        Chuckles, the macaw

                                                                                                                                   
The Omega Dance Company co-directed by Sandra Rivera & Mignon Gillen, and Forces of Nature Dance Company directed by Abdel Salaam, mesmerized the crowd with their super-energetic, flawless performances.

The two-legged, four-legged and feathered attendees gathered in the garden area after the event, where animal protection groups and adoption organizations such as, Bide-A-Wee, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, and the Coalition for New York City Animals Inc., handed out information.
 See photo gallery at bottom of page

All photos © 2009 Domenick Pilla/All rights reserved

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