In a small town in Brittany, France, there is a Church that is somewhat different from the others. Every year, for about 10 years, the parish priest of Our Lady of Victories in Penquesten does something special on the Sunday closest to St. Francis daypatron saint of animals.
We at Todocat have had the honor of speaking with Father Graziana, originally from a small town in Piedmont and arrived in France, thus bringing the love for animals beyond the Alps.
Two dogs … digital!
Father Graziana is a lover of pets.
To keep him company during his masses are his two dogs: E-maila 12-year-old longhaired dachshund who finds mass “a little long”, as his human tells us, and Jpegwho is 7 years old, loves going to mass and follows Father Graziana everywhere.
The blessing of St. Francis
Father Graziana tells us that he has always accepted animals at mass and that he has never had any problems. But his love of animals goes far beyond that.
For about 10 years, on the Sunday closest to St. Francis’ day, he has been inviting all pet owners to go to mass with their faithful friend in order to receive a special blessing and give thanks to God for the joy our furry ones give us.
And not just 4-legged friends! Father Graziana also told us that:
“We had everything: dogs, cats, birds, fish, poultry … We even had horses and a goat once!”
The union between animals and God
Father Graziana reminds us that it is important to welcome pets and owners in a respectful relationship, because:
“In a certain sense our animals join us to God. They are creatures and the Creation is beautiful and leads us to God. Our animals are part of this Creation and through the love they give us they lead us to God”.
We thank Father Graziana for this very interesting chat and we wish you well good St. Francis to all pet lovers. That this October 4th is special for all of you and your four-legged friends!