[The Living Church] A pig, a boa constrictor, a penguin, a falcon, an ox, a llama, an owl, a tarantula, a rabbit, a tortoise, bees, cats, dogs and a camel. These were just some of the participants in a St Francis of Assisi celebration in the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York. Only the elephant couldn't make it.

The service included a full procession including many animals and their owners, music and dance. Dancers twirled large and small banners to the music from Paul Winter's Earth Mass.

There was a blessing for every animal from one of the priests in the cathedral, or even from the bishop. The celebrations continued into the afternoon as people enjoyed the fair in the cathedral grounds with various stalls and exhibitions. The day ended with choral vespers and a reminder of St Francis' prayer: "Make us servants of your peace . . . We are reborn to endless day . . . to wake at last in heaven's light."