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Yesterday, Sue was showing me the beautiful town of Shoeburyness where a church from the 11th century stands (I'm sure everyone knows by now with the pics I've posted how much I love looking at old churches). As we pull into the lot, I happened to notice a posting on the board out front that there was a "Blessing of the Animals" on October 10th -- at which point Sue pointed out it was Oct 10th -- and then I noticed the time....4pm -- only 10 minutes away!!! Well, I got so excited and was sure that Sue and I should attend the service...as Sue pointed out...it was cats that brought us together after all.....so in we go....


How unusual to see dogs all over the church, up on the pews, laying in the aisle, and on laps.....then there were the cages and boxes of "unknown" animals. The service involved some readings, hymns, and the background on St Francis of Assisi. It was a very nice service even with the barks and whining from the dogs in the service.

Afterwards, the vicar gave individual animal blessings at the door, and a reception (that we didn't stay for) was held. How cool was it that we were able to attend this service. We just wish that we had been able to have our own kitties there!!

Here are some pics from the blessing service....

AMAZING!!!!!

Amasing, how coincidental that the service was the very day you were there.

As you like churches etc. thought I'd post a link to a famous church in N. Wales, the picture does not do it justice, there are lots of little details which can't be seen in the pic, almost gothic like decorations. It is amazing.

http://www.themarblechurch.org.uk/

Oh wow Jan!! What an amazing church!!!!!! I would love to be able to see it in person some time. Thanks for posting the link.

apparently it isnt so unusual for some churches to do services which involve animals.
where i go voluntary dog walking, go to a service in the local church at christmas. i missed it last year but hope to go this year.
every animal is welcome and the ones that cant get in like horses etc stand outside.
its fortunate that the service just happened to be while you were there

Truly,,,amazing.
I would love to go to a church like that.
Teresa, I have enjoyed all your travels but this is the icing on the cake for me.
Teresa,I have a thing for old churches and cemeteries too always have sence I was a kid.

How lovely for you and Sue to be able to go to that service. We had one here in Scarborough a few weeks ago. I would love to have taken the boys, but they hate the pet carrier so much, it wasn't worth upsetting them. Great pics, T. Thank you for sharing all your travels with us.

Oh wow this is so great. I'd love to have something like that here... even though I'm not sure how I would manage on my own with three cats...

Sure! We have this too! In Italy animals have their very own patron saint, S. Antonio Abate (Saint Anthony Abbot), whose official feast day is January 17. On this day people go to churches with their pets and attend to the Holy Mass which is infact especially meant for animals. And when the celebration is over a special blessing takes place.

Oh, and for all of you who love ancient churches.....come to Italy, you'll get plenty of them!!!

Wow, what a beautiful church and how nice that you were able to visit on this particular day. I need to get out more!