Community

Blessing of the animals in Mattituck: PHOTOS

Snickers the horse dwarfs everyone around him as he receives his blessing. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder photos)
Snickers the horse dwarfs everyone around him as he receives his blessing. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder photos)

Folks from as far away as Quogue attended the annual Blessing of the Animals at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Mattituck on Sunday afternoon, bringing along cats, dogs, donkeys and horses.

Dozens of people waited patiently as Deacon Jeff Sykes blessed each animal individually during the ceremony, which is held each year in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Here are some of our favorite photos from the event:

Cody, age 1, of Laurel.
Cody, age 1, of Laurel.
Eight-year-old Marshall of Quogue.
Eight-year-old Marshall of Quogue.
Lola, age 6, of Mattituck.
Lola, age 6, of Mattituck.
Maya Hamilton, 10, of Cutchogue sings with Patti Homan.
Maya Hamilton, 10, of Cutchogue sings with Patti Homan.
Crowds at the blessing.
Crowds at the blessing.
A tribute to Sunny, who passed away last month.
A tribute to Sunny, who passed away last month.
Angel, 7, and Scarlett, 9. of Jamesport.
Angel, 7, and Scarlett, 9. of Jamesport.
Abby, age 2, of Mattituck shows some love to Leah Sullivan.
Abby, age 2, of Mattituck shows some love to Leah Sullivan.
Ten-year-old Dingo of Laurel.
Ten-year-old Dingo of Laurel.
Nineteen-year-old Spot of Cutchogue.
Nineteen-year-old Spot of Cutchogue.
Deacon Sykes, center, blesses Eileen Peters' dog Daisy, age 6, as Chris Massey looks on.
Deacon Sykes, center, blesses Eileen Peters’ dog Daisy, age 6, as Chris Massey looks on.
The Benthal family with their dogs.
The Benthal family with their dogs.
Frances Breen, 5, of Mattituck, holding Turnip, also 5.
Frances Breen, 5, of Mattituck, holding Turnip, also 5.
Rocky DiVello with Diesel, age 4.
Rocky DiVello with Diesel, age 4.
Rebel the horse receives his blessing.
Rebel the horse receives his blessing.
Christopher gets blessed.
Christopher gets blessed.