On the lawn of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach on Saturday morning, dozens of furry friends, critters and their owners gathered to take part in the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony.

Held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, on Oct. 3, the blessing is a tradition where four-legged, hopping, and winged family members are offered a prayer and gently sprinkled with holy water.