BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Livingston celebrated St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day with the blessing of the animals on Saturday. Rev. Anderson Luis De Souza blessed more than 30 animals during the event. Treats for the animals and their owners were given out following the blessing. The feast commemorates the life of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, so many churches offer animal blessing services, usually held on or around Oct. 4. The services may include a verbal blessing and holy water and are usually held at a place where different animals can gather. Courtesy photo