A Newport Beach pastor claims the annual Blessing of the Animals is the third holiest day after Christmas and Easter.
The Reverend Cindy Evans Voorhees, canon of St. James Episcopal Church, said: “Today is a joyful day to celebrate the little creatures that are our beloved ones.” “Any pets are welcome, but we don’t allow cats as they would be too stressful.”
Duchess, an English bulldog, was feted on Sunday at St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, where she received the award for “Best Puppy Eyes.”
(Susan Hoffman)
Believers and their polite and faithful companions gathered at St. James’s on Sunday morning to participate in the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony. This ceremony is a tradition that takes place each year on or near October 4, the feast day of St. James. Francis celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of nature and animals.
Dogs, bearded dragons, scorpions, large turtles, hamsters, pythons and more were welcomed with equal enthusiasm at Sunday’s event.
Gucci, a Vizsla, is blessed by Pastor Cindy Voorhees at St. James Episcopal Church on Sunday as his owner, Kimberly Drake, and her Pomeranian sister, Vivian, look on.
(Susan Hoffman)
This was the first ceremony for Newport Beach resident Ron Widick, who celebrated his wheaten terrier, Sophie.
“It was absolutely incredible,” Widdick said afterward, adding that Sophie receives Holy Communion every Sunday and is a member of the church. “This was the most incredible church I have ever been to. Pastor Cindy shared memorable messages all week, and best of all, the furry cat. Friends are welcome.”
Stan Tom gave incentive treats to Rocky as he escorted him down the runway during the Pet Parade at St. James Episcopal Church on Sunday.
(Susan Hoffman)
The joyful morning began with over 100 animals, both living and animals with souls (the latter pictured) lining up to be blessed during the church service. Each blessed animal received a St. Francis medallion dog tag.
Approximately half of the various animals, including their pet parents, participated in the parade on the outdoor patio after the service. Lively dance music blared as a variety of animals walked down the green carpeted runway accompanied by their parents. Award ribbons were awarded for Best Wag, Smallest Pet, Largest Pet, Bark, Best Dressed, Best Puppy and Dog Eyes, Happiest, Sports, Religion, and Attendance.
The award for “Best Tailed Wagger” went to Roxy the iguana, held tightly by her owner Zoe Matzke as she was blessed by the Reverend Cindy Voorhees at St. James Episcopal Church on Sunday.
(Susan Hoffman)
Fifteen-year-old Sofia Rubin’s beloved pet Goober turned out to be one of the stars of the parade.
“I got Goober on March 4th…” Sophia said. “He’s a male ball python, a ghost morph. Morphs are like the reptilian version of dog fur colors and patterns. Ball python ghost morphs make the colors a little brighter.”
Sophia Rubin walks with her male ball python, Goober, wrapped around her hand during Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals Parade at St. James Episcopal Church.
(Susan Hoffman)
Goobers grow to a total length of 3 feet in about a year, she said.
“I love reptiles and snakes because they are mischaracterized in society,” she said. “They all have their own personalities. I like teaching people about reptiles and showing them that snakes are not evil.”
Goober enjoys resting on Sophie’s neck while she does housework or homework, watches TV, or plays video games.
“He is my pride and joy. Sometimes I tear up a little when I look at him,” she exclaimed. “Look at his cute little face! How can you not love this little guy?”
