This way to the pet blessing!

Okay, I think we're about done here.

Cats, this way!

Fr. John Cella, from the Franklin friary, opens the pet blessing service with a story and a prayer.

Fr. John addressing the group gathered in front of the St. Francis Grotto.

Fr. John addresses some canine members of the group.

During the opening prayer, some of the furry companions introduced themselves to one another.

Some of dogs were not too sure about the event and stuck close to their owners.

"Who said that?"

Some of the dogs got a little restless during the opening prayer.

All decked out for the big day

"Is the vet here too?"

"I wonder if they're giving treats?"

"Is that a bird over there?"

Let the blessing begin!

"Me first!"

"I like these bushes."

"Pet me, Pet me."

Too speedy for the camera

"Sit."

An 8-week-old puppy and its 7-year-old owner get blessed.

The lone cat gets blessed.

"This way."

"Okay, now we're ready."

"Ohh, that water's cold."

Anxious to be blessed

Really anxious to be blessed

"What's that in your hand?" 

 Double trouble

Easy, fella 

"Hi there, doggie." 

 "Stay!"

 "See, it's just an aspergilium."

 "No, wait! An aspergilium is just the fancy name for a sprinkling wand."

 "Pleased to meet you."

 "It's not a shot, you don't have to look away."

 "Patience is a virtue."

"Hey, hey, we're all friends here." 

Double blessing 

"Come on, just a little closer."

 People got in on the blessing too. 

 "Okay, that's close enough."

 "Wait, now that's too far."

 Really leaning into the blessing

 "Hey, who are you?"

 "Okay, guys, let's get together on this one."

 A trio of blessings

Another curious customer 

Time to break out the sweaters

 Twins!

 "Don't worry, there are plenty blessings to go round."

 "Don't be shy."

"Nice, doggie!" 

 "You stay. You come here."

 Not quite

 That looks like a doggie smile!

Wrong way 

 "That's better. Now we can see your pretty collar."

 "Finally, it's my turn!"

"I think they saved the best for last! Woof!"

The end