Sunday morning mass at St Georges Cathedral looked slightly different as congregants could bring their pets to the service to be blessed on Sunday 8 October.
It formed part of the annual feast day of St Francis of Assisi celebrated on Wednesday 4 October.St Francis of Assisi was the patron saint of ecology and animals.
Rev Michael Weeder, Dean of the Cathedral, said St Francis of Assisi is well-known for his many miracles involving animals and birds and his compassion for healing critically ill and injured people.
Weeder explains that previously, they would gather in the Company’s Garden and bless the animals.
Since 2013, this service now takes place in the cathedral.
“It is great fun. On one occasion some people brought a snake and once we had a horse as well. The blessing of the animals happens during the first part of the service. So, people can leave thereafter, or they can stay for the whole service.”
On Sunday, animal lovers gathered in the cloister with their fur babies. Some brought their dogs, cats, and even a parrot.
A prayer was said outside by Weeder and followed by a procession into the cathedral.
Loud barks could be heard during the procession as the group made their way to the sanctuary.
Weeder said the service was a celebration of the life of St Francis and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose birthday would have been celebrated on Saturday 7 October.
He said animals spoke to the non-partisan and non-denominisation of love.
“In the culture that I was raised in, a dog was in the yard and you would feed the dog whatever. As a youngster, when you wound yourself, a dog would lick your wounds. Today, animals have evolved in the way they relate to us. Dogs are now inside the house eating special food and there is grief when they die.”
Sonia Lawrence, from Maitland said she brought her dogs, Roxi and Jake annually. Carla Bernado said: “I could not bring my dog previous years, so I made an effort to bring her this time. It’s cool that they are doing something for the animals.”
Jenny van Craeynest explained that she had her parrot for 20 years and wanted her to be blessed.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA also celebrated World Animal Day and encouraged people to uphold the Five Animal Freedoms which are:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Animals must have access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigour.
- Freedom from Discomfort: Animals must be provided with an appropriate environment that ensure their shelter from the elements, both heat and cold.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: Animals should be protected from unnecessary suffering, and they should receive prompt medical attention.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: Animals should have enough space, proper facilities, and the company of their own kind to engage in their natural behaviours.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress: Animals should not be subjected to conditions that cause them mental or physical harm.
