By Nirmala Carvalho
Mumbai, Oct 12, 2022: Father Joe D’Souza walked between the pews, petting a Labrador, speaking gently to a Spaniel, stroking a Pomeranian.
Squeals and barks rent the Sunday morning calm of Church of Our Lady of Health in Cavel, Mumbai, on October 9. Children from neighborhood too were delighted, as they watched proud pet-parents bringing their pets for blessings.
For more than 20 years, Father D’Souza, the parish priest, has been blessing animals at an annual service, and people of all religions eagerly wait to bring their pets for blessing.
This year, 17 pet dogs, five cats two guinea pigs sat in the pews, as Father D’Souza began the special service.
“Father, thank you for the beauty of your creation,” Father D’Souza began. “Only those who have pets know their value and how you treasure them and how they return your love.”
Speaking to Matters India, Father D’Souza said, “Some of the most important members of our family aren’t the usual sort. Pets hold a very special place in many families’ hearts, so on St. Francis Assisi’ feast day, we like to invite our parishioners to bring their furry family members on the Sunday after the feast for our Annual Pet Blessings. Pet Blessing Is our way to acknowledge all the animals who have added happiness in our lives.”
The priest also termed as marvelous that people of all faiths come together for this service in this current scenario. “Pets understand love, they don’t know anything other than love and giving unconditional love. We can learn from the pets, that love unites and bonds, that Love is the only thing in life that matters,” he added.
According to the priest, pets are non-judgmental and provide unconditional love, meaning, and joy to our lives. “Pets provided solace and emotional support during the pandemic lockdown, decreasing loneliness, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, and importantly providing opportunities for exercise, play, and recreation.”