Santhome Church in Chennai opened its doors for pets during special prayers.
In a rare move, Santhome Church in Chennai opened its doors for pets during special prayers, apparently taking a cue from the Pope Francis' call to protect all animals.
On the occasion of World Animal Day on Sunday, October 4, families turned up at the church with their pets, mostly dogs. The priests conducted special prayers and blessed the pets sprinkling holy water.
"We are responsible for the creation and all creatures. It was the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the Saint of Nature too," said Fr Louis Mathias from the Basilica.
The Blue Cross too had joined hands. Mahesh, who had come with his injured dog Ripon, said: "Ripon needs medical attention and blessings of God. This is a good initiative by the church".
A college student, Arockiyaraj had brought his Rooster, Jack, who also has a family, his parents and his wife. "Jack is like my brother and I came to pray for his long life so he would always be with me."
Another family had brought their pug with her new born puppies. Some members of the congregation had also brought baby donkeys, sheep with long horns. Vedha, an animal lover said, "We should never ever be cruel to animals, not even to an ant."
Many aggressive and mischievous pets maintained decorum and were at their best; perhaps in divine company.