The Rev. Francis Baransky, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe, blessed dozens of animals which were gathered with their owners in the courtyard behind the church on Wednesday.

The observance was in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century saint who had a love for animals.

At least 30 people ignored the threatening skies and brought their animals to be blessed. There were dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, goats and at least one snake.

“Animals fill the skies, the earth and the seas. They are God’s beloved creatures. St. Francis remembered this. He called the animals his brothers and sisters,” the pastor said.