Scenes from the blessing of the animals in Los Angeles

Times staff writer Kate Mather is covering the blessing of the animals on Olvera Street in Los Angeles today.

This year marks the 85th annual blessing. The Times' Frank Shyong reported last year that the ceremony dates to the 4th century, when San Antonio De Abad was named the patron saint of the animal kingdom and began to bless animals to promote good health.

Here's a roundup of Mather's tweets about what she saw.

Mather's complete report is here: Blessing of the animals draws parrots, ferrets and a llama named Rama

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