The Parish Youth of Chicalim in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology organised its second edition of the blessing of pets at the St Francis Xavier Church premises on Tuesday, to commemorate the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology and of animals.
Pet owners showed great enthusiasm by bringing their pets along for the event.
“Our four-legged friends, dogs, cats and even turtles, graced the occasion with their presence and there were around 30 entries for the occasion,” said Chelsea Fernandes of the SFX Parish Youth.
Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira and Asst Parish Priest Fr Peter Fernandes prayed for all the animals, followed by showering blessings on the pets.
Pet owners also came forward to share their experiences of their fellow pets.
There were spot prizes for the pet animals like the tallest pet, youngest pet, unique pet, most furry cat, owner with the max pets, first online entry and instant selfie with pet. The event was co-powered by the pet shop ‘Wiggle butts’.
The pets and their owners were appreciated for their participation with a certificate of participation.
“The ‘Pet Blessing’ was an effort to acknowledge all the animals which have added happiness in our lives. We in the Parish Youth hope all owners and people treat animals with the respect they deserve,” added Fernandes.
Incidentally, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on Tuesday marked the conclusion of the Season of Creation 2022 worldwide.
