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