St. Joseph friars invoke Francis for furry friends

A break in the weather brings an impressive turnout of people and pets to the Blessing of the Animals to celebrate the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis.

Franciscan Fr. Jonathan St. Andre blesses Clari Claus and her Jack Russell Terrier, Bandit.

Franciscan Fr. Alberto Bueno gives a blessing to Donielle Scherff and her Dobie-Dox mix, Charlie as part of the Blessing of the Animals at St. Joseph Church in Herndon Oct. 1.

Zulema Marquez and her 6-month-old pets, Becky, a Maltese (left) and Max, a Shih Tzu (right) wait their turn to be blessed.