A goldfish was blessed to mark World Animal Day. |
A goldfish received a blessing from a Catholic priest in an Amsterdam church to mark World Animal Day. The fish was joined in its blessing by a canary, a guinea pig, a handful of cats and more than two dozen dogs.
In a ceremony that was sometimes touching and often comical, Rev. Pierre Valkering led his congregation in songs and prayers — frequently interrupted by meowing and yapping from the pews — before the blessing took place.
The goldfish received the first blessing and appeared very much in its element as Valkering sprinkled it with holy water.
St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals on whose feast day World Animal Day is held, was the inspiration for the service — a seven-year-old tradition in Amsterdam.
To read the full article click here.