For 20 years, Fr. Joe D’Souza has been blessing animals at an annual service, and parishioners love it

Mumbai: Father Joe D’Souza walks between the pews, attending to each animal, petting a labrador, speaking gently to a spaniel, stroking a Pomeranian. Squeals and barks rent the Sunday morning calm and a heavy canine smell hung in the air at the St. John the Evangelist Church near Ballard Estate, where a special service for pets was about to commence.

“Father, thank you for the beauty of your creation,” Fr. D’Souza began. “Only those who have pets know their value and how you treasure them and how they return your love.”

A tall man in billowing white priestly robes, Fr. D’Souza has been conducting this special blessing service every year for 20 years. Across the world, several churches follow the practice in honour of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, on his Feast Day which falls in October. But Fr. D’Souza is perhaps the only one doing so in the city.

Online inspiration

It all started several years ago, when he stumbled upon an online article about a church in Goa that held an annual service for animals. He said, “What a lovely concept, I thought. If priests in Goa can do it, then why can’t we do it here?” He has since taken the practice to several parishes .

On Sunday, a large congregation of the two- and four-legged had gathered, more than previous years. A most well-behaved owl came perched on its guardian’s arm. The Stokes family brought a dog, a budgie and cockatoo from their large family of mammals, birds and fish. A haughty Persian cat rested easily in Wendy Rodrigues’ arms, soaking up the admiring glances being lavished on him. Ms. Rodrigues said, “He’s always been an attention-seeker, but today, he has to share it.”

Fr D’Souza sprinkled holy water on each animal before blessing them individually as they approached the altar. A large mug of water near his feet served thirsty visitors, some of whom wiggled and squirmed while others jockeyed for place.

Bruno, a labrador-indie in an orange dog vest, howled intermittently during the service. “From the time we got him, he has been falling sick every two months. We hope for a blessing for his good health,” Auxilia D’Souza, a dentist, said.

People from all faiths are welcome, Fr. D’Souza said, adding the animals “broke all religious barriers”. Describing himself as an animal lover during his address, he spoke of a Pomeranian he had had in the past. “It’s the only time pets are allowed inside the church,” said Myola Gomes, who had brought Archie, her seven-year-old labrador. Years ago, when Fr. D’Souza was with the parish at Marine Lines, she had brought her parrot for the blessing.