At top, Fr. Matthew R. Brozovic from Uniontown, Pa., blesses a cat during a special celebration scheduled at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Helper on Oct. 3.
The blessing ceremony is a tradition that follows the teachings of St. Francis Assisi, according to local clergy.
St. Francis Assisi is patron saint of animals and the environment.
The blessings are conducted annually on or around Oct. 4, the date observed as the feast of St. Francis.
At right, Pastor Courtney Shucker blesses an eager dog at Ascension St. Matthew’s Church in Price on Oct. 3.
The blessing of the animals is an annual event that many pet owners in the Carbon County area anticipate.
Clergy bless animals at St. Anthony’s, St. Matthew’s events
