LIFE

Photos: St. Leo Catholic Church blessed 25 domestic companions

Srijita Chattopadhyay
Naples Daily News
Friends and family gather at St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs with their pets to attend the church's annual blessing of the animals conducted in the fond memory of Saint Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures big or small.
Friends and family gather at St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs with their pets to attend the church's annual blessing of the animals conducted in the fond memory of Saint Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures big or small.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News
Nearly 25 domestic companions gathered along with their owners outside St. Leo Catholic Church for the annual blessing of the animals.
Nearly 25 domestic companions gathered along with their owners outside St. Leo Catholic Church for the annual blessing of the animals.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News
Father Jarek Snlosek of the St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs reads prayers from the Holy Bible during the blessing of the animals ceremony. In his prayers Father Jarkek urged everyone present to be good stewards to their pets and to love them like they would a family member.
Father Jarek Snlosek of the St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs reads prayers from the Holy Bible during the blessing of the animals ceremony. In his prayers Father Jarkek urged everyone present to be good stewards to their pets and to love them like they would a family member.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News
Pat Harding moved from New York to Florida four years back and joined the congregation of St Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs. In adopting the 8-month-old Yorkie name BayLee, Harding thought of sharing her religion with her pup.
Pat Harding moved from New York to Florida four years back and joined the congregation of St Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs. In adopting the 8-month-old Yorkie name BayLee, Harding thought of sharing her religion with her pup.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News
Father Jarek Snlosek sprinkles Holy water to bless 9-month-old Pommie on the left and 8-month-old BayLee on the right during St. Leo Catholic Church's blessing of the animal ceremony conducted in remembrance of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. "This is just another example of God's presence in our life and how much he loves us," Father Jarek said.
Father Jarek Snlosek sprinkles Holy water to bless 9-month-old Pommie on the left and 8-month-old BayLee on the right during St. Leo Catholic Church's blessing of the animal ceremony conducted in remembrance of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. "This is just another example of God's presence in our life and how much he loves us," Father Jarek said.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News
After the blessing ceremony Carrie Caldwell walks up to the sculpture of Virgin Mary by the front entrance of St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, saying her morning prayers while embracing her 9-month-old Pomeranian named Pommie.
After the blessing ceremony Carrie Caldwell walks up to the sculpture of Virgin Mary by the front entrance of St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, saying her morning prayers while embracing her 9-month-old Pomeranian named Pommie.
Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News