VASCO
The St Francis Xavier Parish Youth of Chicalim, in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, organised ‘Pet Blessing 5.0’ to mark their fifth consecutive year of celebrating the unique initiative of blessing pets.
Held at the St Francis Xavier Church premises in Chicalim on Monday, the event coincided with the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Parishioners, pet lovers, and children came together with their beloved pets — dogs, cats, and even fish — to receive blessings and celebrate the gift of creation.
The event began with a welcome and was compered by Jessica Vales, who kept the gathering lively and engaging, while Alisha Pereira led the opening prayer.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira addressed the crowd by explaining the Church’s approach to blessing animals through the Order for the Blessing of Animals found in the Book of Blessings. Drawing from St Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, he reminded everyone of the call to be grateful for and protect all of God’s creations.
Fr Bolmax, along with Fr Francis Pereira, blessed each pet individually, creating a touching scene filled with wagging tails, purring felines, and cheerful owners. The joy in the atmosphere was unmistakable as pets received their blessings with quiet dignity or playful excitement.
A highlight of the event was the Talent Round, where pets displayed their unique charms. Agnes Pinto’s pet, Shadow the Princess, won hearts by gracefully offering her paw. Mykaa delighted the audience with handshakes, hugs, and adorable poses. Marcelina’s dog earned applause for confidently executing the double paw shake. These light-hearted moments brought smiles to all.
Special spot prizes added to the fun. Max Silveira’s dog was named Best Dressed Pet, Suzuki won Loudest Bark, Shimmy earned Best Tail Wagger, and Ginger the cat was honoured for the Longest Furry Tail. Goldie (owned by Dayshne) and Yuki the cat (owned by Niddhi) were recognised as the first to arrive, adding to the celebratory tone.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by SFX Parish Youth President Valisha Gama, expressing gratitude to priests, volunteers, and participants. As a token of love, Fr Bolmax and Fr Francis distributed prayer cards, medals of blessing, and pet food to all pet owners. The event was sponsored by Wiggle Butts, who provided food and gift hampers.
“The Season of Creation is a special time for believers worldwide to renew their connection with God and all of creation through prayer, reflection, and action,” said Fr Pereira.
“Pet Blessing 5.0 was more than an event; it was a beautiful reminder of the sacred bond between humans and animals. Filled with joy, gratitude, and a deeper sense of stewardship for creation, the day was filled with hearts uplifted and tails wagging — a true celebration of God’s love in every creature.”
