Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette To commemorate and honor St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, churches across the county and around the world celebrate his feast day during the first week of October. The annual Blessing of Pets ceremony was held Sunday under the pavilion at St. Ann Catholic Church in Loyasock Township. The service was conducted by Deacon Stephen Fry, who is seen here blessing 13-year-old Stella with holy water. Stella is accompanied by her owner, Mike Cukor, and his daughter, Roselyn, of Loyasock Township.
Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette Jessica Renninger of Bastress Township, her son Brandon, daughter Josephine, and her 12-week-old dog Ariel
Phillip Holmes/Sun Gazette Deacon Fry sprinkles 2-year-old Smoochie with holy water as his owner Eugene Rider of Williamsport looks on.
Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette The annual service was officiated by Deacon Stephen Fry, who, before blessing the animals with holy water, gave a series of speeches to the estimated 15 to 20 people who had brought their animals to the ceremony. I read the prayer. As usual, dogs clearly outnumbered cats.
Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette Deacon Stephen Fry’s wife Jennifer Fry and their 6-year-old dog Frankie.
Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette To commemorate and honor St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, churches across the county and around the world celebrate his feast day during the first week of October. The annual Blessing of Pets ceremony was held Sunday under the pavilion of St. Ann Catholic Church in Loyalsock Township. The service was conducted by Deacon Stephen Fry, who is seen here blessing 13-year-old Stella with holy water. Stella is accompanied by her owner, Mike Cukor, and his daughter, Roselyn, of Loyasock Township. Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette Jessica Renninger of Bastress Township with her son Brandon, daughter Josephine, and her 12-week-old dog Ariel Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette Deacon Fry sprinkles holy water on a 2-year-old puppy Smoochie is watched over by Williamsport owner Eugene Ryder.
Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette The annual service was officiated by Deacon Stephen Fry, who, before blessing the animals with holy water, gave a series of speeches to the estimated 15 to 20 people who had brought their animals to the ceremony. I read the prayer. As usual, dogs clearly outnumbered cats. Philip Holmes/Sun Gazette Deacon Stephen Fry’s wife Jennifer Fry and their 6-year-old dog Frankie.
To commemorate and honor St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, churches across the county and around the world celebrate his feast day during the first week of October. The annual Blessing of Pets ceremony was held recently under the pavilion of St. Ann Catholic Church in Loyasock Township. The service was conducted by Deacon Stephen Fry.
