Dozens of animal lovers attended the annual Blessing of the Animals event last weekend at St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church.

Gathering in the parking lot between the church’s office building and Holy Innocents Faith Formation Center, pet owners arrived early Saturday morning for the brief outdoor service. The majority of the pets blessed that morning were dogs; at least one house cat attended from the safety of its travel crate.

Deacon Richard Scinto conducted the service, which included music, prayers, and blessings. Families stood together, socially distancing from others and wearing masks, while dogs tugged at leads, trying to visit with others.

The St Rose Folk Trio — Andy LaFreniere, Trish Keil, and Helen Malyszka — performed during the service, providing the perfect accompaniment in the celebration of animals. The processional hymn, for instance, was “All Things Bright & Beautiful,” a familiar hymn that celebrates God and all things He created.

Deacon Scinto welcomed everyone who gathered on October 3, mentioning the weekend fell within his favorite time of the year due to the natural beauty. Celebrating the spirit of St Francis of Assisi, he added, is also one of his favorite things to do.

As he spoke, the deacon stood beside a table holding a portrait of the venerated saint. Next to the portrait, a silver vessel and aspergillum waited for the deacon’s use.

Citing former President Harry S. Truman, Deacon Scinto reminded those gathered in the chilly but sunny morning that the president once reportedly said that to have a friend in Washington, one should get a dog. The comment drew a laugh and many nods from the crowd.

“We should all marvel at the creation of what animals are,” Deacon Scinto offered. “We should take the sense of wonder we show animals, and show that to your neighbor.

“Share that sense of enthusiasm. Share that sense of wonder. Share that second of ‘this moment is going to make my day’ with everyone you meet,” he encouraged. “Remember that each of us is a gift of God, just like our pets are.”

Holding the vessel filled with holy water, the deacon then walked among the crowd. He dipped the aspergillum into the water to bless one group before taking a few steps and repeating the rite.

Scinto then offered a prayer for the animals who were sick, especially those who were too infirm to attend the celebration.

He invited those who were comfortable in doing so to approach him for individual blessings. Wearing face masks and continuing to keep distance between each other, most of those in attendance took the deacon up on that offer.