USA: Traditional blessing of pets on the Feast of St Francis in New York

Oct 4, 2026

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October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: Two dogs greet each other beneath Gaia, the monumental illuminated Earth installation by British artist LUKE JERRAM, during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration brings animals and their human companions into the Cathedral and also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_053 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: A member of the clergy blesses a dog held in the arms of its owner during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_056 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: A woman holds her cat with the Gaia in the background. The monumental illuminated Earth installation by British artist LUKE JERRAM, during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_055 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: A woman holds her cat with the Gaia in the background. The monumental illuminated Earth installation by British artist LUKE JERRAM, during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_054 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_033 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_030 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_042 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_025 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: The annual animal blessing of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine takes place beneath Gaia, Luke Jerram’s 23-foot Earth installation, and features Missa Gaia, composed by Artist in Residence Paul Winter and Grammy Award-winning composer Paul Halley, alongside live choral music and vibrant African dance performances by the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_028 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_026 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_017 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_010 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_014 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: People attend with their pets at the annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S., celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and ecology. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: The annual animal blessing of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine takes place beneath Gaia, Luke Jerram’s 23-foot Earth installation, and features Missa Gaia, composed by Artist in Residence Paul Winter and Grammy Award-winning composer Paul Halley, alongside live choral music and vibrant African dance performances by the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
Annual animal blessing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: The annual animal blessing of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine takes place beneath Gaia, Luke Jerram’s 23-foot Earth installation, and features Missa Gaia, composed by Artist in Residence Paul Winter and Grammy Award-winning composer Paul Halley, alongside live choral music and vibrant African dance performances by the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in New York, U.S. Selcuk Acar Anadolu New York United States. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxSelcukxAcarx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_013 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_008 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_005 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine...Gaia instillation. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_006 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A: New York, New York October 4, 2026.The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is a beloved Cathedral tradition all animals are welcomed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Manhattan U.S.A - ZUMAc308 20261004_znp_c308_003 Copyright: xSamanthaxCotlerx
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: A member of the clergy blesses a dog held in the arms of its owner during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_046 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: A member of the clergy blesses a dog held in the arms of its owner during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_045 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: The Right Reverend MATTHEW F. HEYD, Bishop of New York, blesses a dog held in the arms of its owner during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_043 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: The Right Reverend MATTHEW F. HEYD, Bishop of New York, blesses a dog held in the arms of its owner during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_042 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: Members of the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company perform beneath Gaia, the monumental illuminated Earth installation by British artist LUKE JERRAM, during the annual Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, held in honour of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, brings together dance, music, animals and their human companions in a celebration of the natural world. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_039 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: The Very Reverend WINNIE VARGHESE, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, speaks to the congregation alongside her dog Cashew during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_036 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: The Right Reverend MATTHEW F. HEYD, Bishop of New York, speaks to the congregation as two dogs stand in the aisle during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_038 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
October 4, 2026, New York, New York, United States: The Very Reverend WINNIE VARGHESE, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, speaks to the congregation alongside her dog Cashew during the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Earth and Animals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The celebration, honouring animals, the Earth and the natural world, also marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. New York United States - ZUMAo116 20261004_znp_o116_035 Copyright: xBiancaxOterox
A pet dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004115 JOHNxANGELILLO
A Pigeon is cradled in the arms of a churchgoer at a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004112 JOHNxANGELILLO
Three dogs sit in a stroller at a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004111 JOHNxANGELILLO
A Sphynx cat waits outside on the steps to enter the Cathedral for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004109 JOHNxANGELILLO
A dog arrives at the Cathedral for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004108 JOHNxANGELILLO
A dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004107 JOHNxANGELILLO
Pets and their owners attend a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004105 JOHNxANGELILLO
A pet dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004103 JOHNxANGELILLO
A snake is held when it arrives at a celebration for the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004118 JOHNxANGELILLO
A dog stands in the church Pews at a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004114 JOHNxANGELILLO

Images in this collection

A pet dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004115 JOHNxANGELILLO

A dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004107 JOHNxANGELILLO

A pet dog arrives for a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. St. Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of animals. NYP20261004103 JOHNxANGELILLO