'Season of Creation' is a time of celebration, a bonded commitment towards conservation and renewal of our relationship with our Creator and all creation. As such, the SFX Parish Youth of Chicalim in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology celebrated the Season of Creation 2023 by organising a pet blessing event for the third consecutive year.
Held on the occasion of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, parishioners were invited to bring their pets for a special blessing.
'Pet Blessing 3.0' was held at St Francis Xavier's Church on October 4, 2023. The event kicked off with prayers and blessings led by Fr Peter Fernandes and Fr Bolmax Pereira.
When asked to share some memories of their pets, a few parishioners shared funny anecdotes about their pets and expressed their gratitude to them.
Marcelina, a pet lover shared a heartwarming memory of her pet. She expressed her routine of first preparing a delectable meal for her pets and feeding them. Whatever food remains after her pets have been fed, she enjoys herself, strengthening the special connection between her and her beloved pets.
Another pet lover Sara Kriti Paes fondly remembered Cloy, the church dog who is no more. "Cloy was my angel, because of who I started going for mass every day and that brought me closer to God. I used to come especially so that after mass I could take him around and play. But as time passed, I stopped going for mass. And coincidentally, the day he passed away was the day I started going for mass again, and till date, I attend mass daily,” she said.
Pet Blessing 3.0 was a carnival of talents, quirks and adorability. Danny Pereira shared that whenever her pet encounters a water bowl, it playfully dips its paw into the water, creating a charming ripple effect.
Other furry friends present on the occasion dazzled the audience with their unique qualities.
Among the shining stars of the day, were the enigmatic Babul (who took home the Lucky Entry award), and the multi-talented Storm (who wowed everyone to secure the title of Most Talented Pet).
But the flair didn't stop there. Fashion-forward Max Silveira strutted in style to claim the Stylish Pet award, while the ever-chatty Rio-the-Boo didn't hold back and was crowned the Most Talkative Pet of the day.
It wasn't just about the charm, but also about manners in which Mykaa, and Cattu, demonstrated exemplary discipline to share the title of Disciplined Pet.
Jugu, the dog, embraced his wild side and clinched the Indisciplined Pet award. Marcelina Fernandes, the owner of two dogs and a cat, emerged as the epitome of control and was honored as the Controlled Owner of the event. Custodio D'Costa's selfie game was on point, earning them the Selfie with the Pet award.
People from different villages and faiths brought their furry friends to be blessed, that included cats, dogs and little fish.
Prof Rochana Kharangate, a senior lecturer at MES College, Dabolim, was thankful to the SFX Parish Youth for organising such an event.
“The pet blessing is a unique initiative by the youth which reminds us that we need to respect our pets and treat them as family members. I was happy to see my pet cat 'Bubbles' receive blessings and gifts at the hands of Fr Bolmax and Fr Peter,” said Kharangate.
The event ended with the distribution of a prayer for the pet, along with pet food and pet prizes that were distributed at the hands of Fr Bolmax. In his message, he called everyone to love and care for the creation of God as stewards of ecology by relating to the environment just like St Francis of Assisi and assured an e-certificate of pet blessing for every pet registered for the event.
The event helped to instil a deeper appreciation for the unique bond shared between humans and their animal companions. Wiggle Butts sponsored pet food and gift items for the pets.
Pet Blessing 3.0 epitomized the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and our shared responsibility to care for them. The day ended with happy and blessed faces and wagging tails.
