1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
USA
32nd Annual Feast Of Saint Francis And Blessing Of The Animals
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Guests are invited to bring their own pets to receive a special blessing
Service: 11:00 am – 1 pm
Outdoor Fair: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street)
A joyous procession of God’s creatures, both great and small, will flock to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a ceremony and special blessing at the 32nd annual Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street) in Manhattan.
This signature Cathedral service features the Missa Gaia (or Earth Mass), composed by Paul Winter and Paul Halley. The event also includes a massed choir conducted by Kent Tritle, a dance performance by Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, and musical performances by the Paul Winter Consort. The unique ceremony concludes with the Procession of the Animals down the Nave of the Cathedral.
The day is a celebration of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and his advocacy for harmony between human beings and the natural world. Following the procession, guests are welcomed to enjoy an outdoor fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at which many groups will share information on their community efforts, including animal, environmental, and other social justice causes. Delicious food will be available from Gorilla Cheese NYC. Guests can enjoy face painting and other family-friendly activities, including a performance by the Mettawee River Theatre Company.
Guests are encouraged to bring their pets to the Cathedral to be a part of the celebration and to receive a special blessing. In years past, thousands of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and their owners have attended the event. Pet blessings begin on the Cathedral’s outdoor Pulpit Green at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but limited space is available. Advance Pass reservations will be available HERE on Tuesday, September 6th at 10 am EST. Day-Of Passes will be available on the morning of the event. Quantities are very limited. It is recommended that visitors arrive as early as possible for pass distribution. For more information, please visit http://www.stjohndivine.org/visit/calendar/events/liturgy-worship/14487/the-feast-of-saint-francis-and-blessing-of-the-animals.