MANHATTAN — St. John the Divine will resemble a petting zoo this Sunday when the cathedral will hold its annual “Blessing of the Animals.”
A yak, a tortoise, baby swans and a macaw are all expected to proceed up the nave during the service this year, which honors the 13th-century Italian monk St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his kindness to animals.
Last year’s St. Francis Day celebration featured a llama, sheep, goats, and a Chihuahua named Tabasco.
This year, the service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m., with a fair to follow at 1 p.m.
Guests are invited to bring their pets to the Morningside Heights cathedral to be blessed by members of the clergy.
St. John’s also hosts a “Blessing of the Bicycles” each spring.
