Timothy Cardinal Dolan got a real kick out of meeting the Rockettes — and few four-legged performers Tuesday at Radio City Music Hall.
For the second year in a row, Dolan stopped by the Showplace of the Nation to bless the animals that will appear in the venue’s annual Christmas Spectacular.
Dolan, never one to be sheepish in public, stood between four Rockettes, three camels, a pair of wooly sheep and a donkey before he sprinkled holy water on the menagerie.
While lining up for photos, a smiling Dolan even tried a brief high kick, a trademark of the Rockettes.
“Are you chewing tobacco or what,” His Eminence asked a masticating camel who leaned his face close to Dolan before the blessing.
The Christmas Spectacular, which opens Friday, Nov. 11, has drawn crowds looking for some Holiday-themed fun to the 6th Ave. Art Deco theater every year since 1933.
The animals spend the rest of their year at the upstate Dawn Animal Sanctuary upstate.
“Unfailingly people will point to the end of the show where there’s the live nativity scene,” Dolan said, adding, “To be part of this is a real joy and honor. You’re getting me into the Christmas spirit already.”
As one camel nuzzled a Rockette, Dolan read a very inclusive blessing covering the animals, the leggy dancers, the show’s staff and visitors.
“Amen! Hallelujah! A blessed Christmas! It’s kind of early, but, thank you,” Dolan said before sprinkling holy water on the docile herd.
The camels recoiled at the brief sprinkle.
“They’re not used to rain in the desert, right?” Dolan laughed. “Pope Francis said…we’re supposed to be shepherds.”