By Matters India Reporter

Chicalim, Oct 7, 2021: A parish in Goa archdiocese has organized a “pet walk” in its premises as part of its observation of the Season of Creation.

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for the Earth and its inhabitants. Christians all over the world come together to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation.

This year, the season was observed from September 1 to October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Hundreds of thousands of Christians celebrated the season with the theme, “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.”

The ancient Greek word oikos refers to three related but distinct concepts: the family, the family’s property, and the house.

Father Bolmax Pereira, a leading environmentalist and parish priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Church of Chicalim parish, said he decided to bless pets after a parishioner’s query.

“We Catholics receive blessings from our priests every time we visit the church. But what about our beloved pets?” asked Chelsea, a pet lover.

So, the parish organized the “pet walk” at 4 pm on October 4.

The event started with prayer service for the blessings of the pets by Father Pereira, followed by holy water blessings. Father Pereira was assisted by Father Peter Fernandes, the assistant parish priest.

People from neighboring villages and various religions brought their cats, dogs, chicken and rabbit to be blessed.

Speaking on the occasion, Janice Fernandes, a parishioner, explained how the care of pets is related the Season of Creation and sustainability.

The parish youth staged a skit that depicted the destruction of the homes of the animals and the environment.

The event ended with the distribution of Certificates of Blessing, along with pet food, and announcement of pet prizes in the categories like, the most talkative, most disciplined, most stylish, controlled owner and a lucky entry.

On the occasion, Father Pereira urged everyone to love and care for God’s creation as stewards of ecology by relating to environment just like Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Archdiocese of Goa is observing the Season of Creation week from October 3 to 9.