Journalism of Courage
All creatures great and small: Mumbai church observes ‘Pet Blessing Day’
1 / 9An animal blessing ceremony was organised at the St. John the Evangelist Church in Ballard Estate, Mumbai, on Sunday. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
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2 / 9The priest of the parish, Father Joe Dsouza, greeted the animals and humans, and proceeded with his services of the mass, amid much tail wagging and some faint bird calls. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
3 / 9It was the annual ‘Pet Blessings Day’ at the church, which drew pet-owners from around the city. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
4 / 9While Catholics internationally celebrate ‘Pet Blessings’ with big events in Philippines and USA, in India, the practice is limited. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
5 / 9The ‘Pet Blessings Day’ saw different breeds of dogs on leash, kittens in their baskets, birds in cages and fish swimming in cloth-covered fish tanks, all waiting patiently with their humans. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
6 / 9‘Pet Blessings Day’, organised at St John the Evangelist Church in Ballard Estate, is marked every year on the second Sunday of October. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
7 / 9Pet parents bring their fur babies in complete finery for their day out. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
8 / 9Pet owners hold their pets while Father Joe Dsouza blesses them with holy water. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
9 / 9Father Dsouza blesses two Labrador dogs at the St. John the Evangelist Church in Ballard Estate. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)
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