Blessing of the Pets

The lawn in front of Sacred Heart School in La Grange was a festive place Tuesday as students and their parents brought cats, dogs, a pony and at least one snake to the annual Blessing of the Pets ceremony in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals. After a short prayer service, Father Brian Phillips, above right, walked around to all the pets and sprinkled them with holy water. Some students even brought their stuffed animals for the event. Photo by Jeff Wick