Wantagh Church blesses all of God’s creatures

Barbara and Lisa Deturris with their dog Lilly.

Jack Healy/Herald

Brian Cummings brought his dog, Cujo, to be blessed.

Jack Healy/Herald

James and Ellen Agosta with their dogs, Rebecca and Porsche.

Jack Healy/Herald

Deacon Joseph Torres blessed the animals who were brought to the church.

Jack Healy/Herald

Several dogs were brought by their human companions to St. Francis de Chantal Church in Wantagh on Oct. 4 for the traditional blessing of the animals.

Jack Healy/Herald

Tanner was on his best behavior beside his master, 5-year-old Nicholas Timman.

Jack Healy/Herald

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Rain didn’t keep local pet owners from heading down to St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Wantagh on Oct. 4 for the traditional blessing of the animals. The ceremony was moved inside to the church lobby.

Most of the pets there were dogs, who came for a special blessing from Deacon Joseph Torres. The blessing of the pets, which is traditionally held in early October, marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

For those who missed out, the Church of St. Jude on Lufberry Avenue in Wantagh will hold its 11th annual blessing of the animals on Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. in its St. Francis Memorial Garden.