VIDEO: Blessing of the Animals at St. Rose of Lima Draws Claws, Paws and Crowds to Rockaway Beach
ROCKAWAY BEACH — Families and students from St. Rose of Lima Church brought their pets to be blessed by Father James Rodriguez on Oct. 2. The centuries-old Christian tradition of blessing animals originates long before St. Francis of Assisi, but now commonly takes place on the feast day of the Patron Saint of Ecology. From prima donna pooches to picky parrots, pet owners all agree — these animals are part of the family.