All Dogs Go to Heaven

This past Saturday featured a few more scales, feathers and fur than typically seen in a Catholic Church. This adorable parade of pets waiting for a pat and a blessing is a tradition that is believed to have begun back in the 13th century and is attributed to St. Francis Assisi. 

The tradition takes place in Catholic churches on the weekend closest to the Feast Day of St. Francis Assisi’s, with this year having the extra luck of falling on the St. Francis’ feast day of October 4th. 

The blessings took place all over Rockland, including St. Aedan Church in Pearl River, St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack, and St. Paul Church in Congers.

According to reader Jeannine, animals ranged from dogs to cats to turtles and rabbits. Thank you to Jeannine for providing these pictures.