Dozens Of Furry And Feathered Friends Flood NYC Church For A Special Day And It’s So Wholesome
Every fall in New York City, something magical happens, and it’s not a Broadway show or a parade.
It’s the one day when dogs, cats, parrots, turtles, and even the occasional owl or pony take over the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Picture hundreds of pets, tails wagging and feathers fluttering, all gathered for a very special reason: the annual Blessing of the Animals.
It’s honestly one of the sweetest traditions in the city. People from all over New York, and sometimes even beyond, show up with their beloved pets tucked in carriers, on leashes, or perched proudly on their shoulders.
From wiggly puppies to sleepy bunnies, every kind of creature finds a place here. You can feel the excitement in the air, like the animals somehow know it’s their big day.
The event celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, someone who believed every living being deserved kindness and respect.
The day kicks off with a lively procession that looks straight out of a storybook.
Camels, cows, birds, and sometimes even a mini horse or snake make their way through the cathedral.
But this year, things were a bit more low-key, with fewer large animals out of respect for animal welfare advocates.
Laura Bosley, the cathedral’s programming executive director, shared in an interview:
“We try to use animals that are a little more used to being in a large room, in a large space with a lot of people. The day is about celebrating all God’s creatures … but we have been very respectful of the animal advocates’ position.”
Still, the spirit was as strong as ever. Families brought everything from parakeets and owls to dogs of every size imaginable.
Some carried photos of pets who had passed away, wanting their memories blessed too.
It was touching to see just how much love people poured into honoring their furry (and feathered) family members. Bosley shared:
“Pets are a lot of people’s children, and to have us be so open and respectful of that, I think people respond to very strongly.”
One woman, Julissa, arrived with her parakeet, Rio, who had been sick not long ago but was now healthy and chirpy again. She wanted him to be blessed for continued good health.
Her sister came along too, carrying Lemon, their second bird, to honor a beloved parakeet they lost after 16 years.
And of course, there was Lola Fern, an Aussie Shepherd mix described lovingly by her human as a little troublemaker who “has the devil in her.” She was there to get some holy help with her shoe-chewing habit!
After the ceremony inside, the blessings continued out on the cathedral lawn. Priests placed their hands over each pet, saying their names with care.
Dogs wagged their tails, cats blinked slowly, and birds fluffed up their feathers. It didn’t matter what kind of animal you had; everyone received the same love and attention.
The whole scene was a beautiful reminder that animals aren’t just pets. They’re family.
For many, it wasn’t just about religion; it was about gratitude. Gratitude for the laughter, comfort, and unconditional love that animals bring into our lives every single day.
