Bellmore United Methodist blesses the animals

The Bellmore United Methodist Church recently welcomed pet lovers and their furry friends for a special service.

The Rev. Judy Stevens, the church’s pastor, hosted the annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, May 18. Residents gathered outside of the church on Clarendon Avenue to have prayers recited for their pets.

Pet blessings are often conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi. The Catholic saint was said to have been able to communicate with animals and felt at one with all creation.

St. Francis’s popularity extends to the United Methodist Church, officials said, leading hundreds of congregations to hold Blessing of the Animals ceremonies each year. At Bellmore’s service this year, Stevens blessed several dogs.

The Bellmore Methodist Church was founded in 1839. Stevens serves as the pastor in a shared ministry with East Meadow United Methodist Church.