Every October 4, pets line up to be blessed in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. At NYC's Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the celebration includes a full animal procession, live music, and open-air blessings, streamed worldwide. Washington National Cathedral hosts its own furry service too.
Around the world, other feast days bring their own flavor -- join me in investigating some of the most interesting.
The Feast of St. Francis (St. John the Divine, accessed October 2, 2025)
Lucia — bearer of light, hymns and Swedish treats (Visit Sweden, Jan 14, 2025)
Bulgarians celebrate Epiphany with traditional rituals (AP, Jan 6, 2023)
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*This episode was recorded in my bedroom.
