Famous Boston Church to Host Animal Blessing – Boston News, Weather, Sports

BOSTON (AP) – It’s animal blessing time at Old North Church in Boston.

The North End celebration scheduled for Sunday draws people of various faiths and backgrounds, and is considered particularly important this year as pets have helped so many cope with the pandemic.

All animals, photographs of non-traveling animals, as well as children’s soft toys are welcome. Each animal will receive a special blessing.

Reverend Matthew Cadwell, the new Chief Vicar of Old North, will lead the ceremony.

The blessing of animals is celebrated in honor of Saint Francis, who lived in Italy from 1181 to 1226 and is revered for his love of nature and animals. The Saint-François Chapel, built in 1918, is adjacent to the Old North Church. It was built as an Italian mission, serving thousands of Protestant Italian immigrants living in the neighborhood.

Formally part of Christ Church in the city of Boston, the church is home to an active Episcopal congregation.

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