Barks And Blessings in Broad Channel

Barks And Blessings

By Dan Guarino

Excited animals and their people gather for the Blessing of Animals at St. Virgilius Church in Broad Channel. Photo by Dan GuarinoTales were wagging as about a dozen dogs and one cat arrived by leash at the Blessing of Animals at St. Virgilius Church in Broad Channel. Owners joined their pets on Sunday, Oct. 4, as Father Tom Basquel blessed each animal by name and sprinkled holy water on them.

The blessing of creatures of all kinds also took place at St. Camillus and at Catholic churches across the city. Each year is a fitting way to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Francis, who died in 1226, is the patron saint of animals and the environment and, along with Catherine of Sienna, one of the two patron saints of Italy, He is known world-wide for his devotion to animals
.