PHOTOS: Pets – and worms – blessed at local church

This was held as part of a remembrance custom for St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

October 14, 2015

Jacobus Myburgh 1 minute read

BE BLESSED: Father Kevin Bugler (right) blesses Thai, a three-year-old Chow. With them is owner Billy Prins, from Brackenhurst.

DOGS, silkworms, cats and birds.

These were just some of the pets brought to the Alberton Catholic Church in Fick Street, Florentia, on Saturday, October 10, for father Kevin Bugler to bless.

This pet blessing was started by church member, Shelagh Wiles, as part of a remembrance custom for St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

“We have held this pet blessing every year since I initiated it about seven years ago. In the past we have seen pets such as a snake and a tortoise being brought to be blessed,” she explained.

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Pets and their owners sat under the church’s oak trees as Kingstone Siziba, manager of the Alberton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), gave a talk. Pet food was also collected and handed over to the SPCA.

NEEDS THE BLESSING: Kimberley Webster with Max, a one-year-old Boerboel cross she said has had a very difficult time since birth.

Kimberley Webster said she brought Max, her one-year-old Boerboel cross, as he needed some luck in his life.

“He was born very sick and had some infections, but he is doing better now.”

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David Abel, his wife Kirsten and two daughters, Kayla and Chloe, brought along their sausage dogs, Harrold and Slinky, to be blessed. Kirsten said it was the first time their dogs had been blessed.

“We think it is a great initiative as it means that the animals also get acknowledged. Your pets are important to you.”

Billy Prins from Brackenhurst said he brought four dogs and has been supporting this initiative every year.

For more pictures click here: Pets blessed at annual custom