Sept. 28, 2018 By Tara Law
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will be blessing people’s pets this Sunday.
The church, located at 85 Greenway South, will celebrate the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony, on Sept. 30 at 11:45 a.m.
The event marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, which is held annually on Oct. 4. Francis is the patron saint of animals and is known for the emphasis he placed on the need to take care of the natural world.
“All creatures are welcome,” the church’s flier reads.
St. Luke’s assures owners of animals that are unable to travel that a photo of their pet will suffice.
The event will also feature special guests—the New York Police department’s K-9 squad and Mounted Police Units.
For the first time, the Blessing will also feature an opportunity for animal lovers who would like to open their home to a pet in need— adoptable dogs and parrots will be on site.
The rescues are currently in the care of Bobbi & the Strays Rescue, a no-kill animal rescue group located at 80-36 Cooper Ave. in Glendale and Feathered Friends Parrot Adoption Service, which helps to find new homes for parrots in need.