Blessing of The Animals

On Saturday September 17th St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, located at 1410 St. Georges Avenue, Rahway, invited the public to a service to honor Saint Mamas The Martyr with the blessing of animals. St. Mammas is the patron saint of animals in the Byzantine Catholic Church.
About 2 dozen dogs, a few cats and a couple of frogs, along with their caregivers, attended the service officiated by Right Rev. Archpriest James G. Hayer along with Archpriest James Hayer. Father Jim began the service with the instructions “If the dogs bark say Amen”. The attendees were then led in prayers which stated in part “Bless and shield and protect these animals with Your mercy and heavenly care. Drive out from them all sickness and malady. May they be a constant source of joy to their owners, a comfort to those in sorrow, and a therapy for those who are sick. Send a special blessing on those who care for them: their owners, and veterinarians and especially on all who gathered here on this day.



To see the complete album of this event visit Rahway Pet Blessing 2016