File photo of dogs. (Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah is offering his blessings to dogs, cats and other faithful pets.
Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer is scheduled to bless the four-legged friends of parishioners Saturday in downtown Savannah’s Lafayette Square, right next to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
It’s the second year Hartmayer has given pet blessings. The event is held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a man known for his love of animals. Hartmayer, who became bishop last year, is a Franciscan friar.
The Savannah diocese governs Catholic churches with more than 77,000 parishioners across 90 counties in southern Georgia.
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