Annual Feast of St. Francis features blessing of the animals

A camel is led from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York

NEW YORK (CNN) -- At Manhattan's Cathedral of Saint John the Divine on Sunday, a procession of animals ranging from small birds to a camel marched, with human help, to the high altar to be blessed by the Episcopal bishop.

More than 4,000 people attended the celebration in honor of the Feast of St. Francis. Herbert Katz, director of communications for the church, said, "The feast celebrates St. Francis's love for all animals and all of God's creatures."

Farm animals such as horses and chickens took part in the ceremony, as well as snakes and rare birds. It was the first time a camel participated.

Individuals attending the service were invited to bring their own pets, which were blessed following the large ceremony.

St. John the Divine - NYC

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.