MADRID, Jan 17 (Reuters) – Tons of of Spanish pet house owners took their animals to church on Tuesday the place Catholic monks blessed them on the Day of St Anthony the Abbott, the patron saint of animals.
Just a few canine barked, however most animals waited patiently to be sprinkled with holy water on the steps of the baroque St Anthony’s Church in central Madrid.
[1/9] “Lola” reacts upon getting blessed at San Anton Church throughout celebrations on the feast of Spain’s patron saint of animals, Saint Anthony, in Madrid, Spain, January 17, 2023. REUTERS/Susana Vera
Priest Angel Garcia then stated Mass in entrance of dozens of pets inside, additionally to some barking from the pews.
Carlos Cabestany, 51, introduced his greyhound, Rita.
“It’s a Madrid custom and we wish to preserve it alive,” he stated.
Reporting by Guillermo Martinez and Silvio Catellanos, writing by Andrei Khalip, modifying by David Latona, Alexandra Hudson
: .
