Manila, Philippines
Reuters
Hundreds of animal lovers in the Philippines had their pets blessed via a drive-through ceremony on Sunday to mark World Animal Day and the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, forgoing the usual fanfare due to COVID-19.
This was the second straight year that organisers had to hold a drive-through ceremony to mark World Animal day – celebrated worldwide to recognise animal rights and welfare – to ensure the safety of the animals and owners.
A priest sprinkles holy water at a dog on a motorcycle at a drive-through pet blessing, a day before World Animal Day, at a mall in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on 3rd October. PICTURE: Reuters/Lisa Marie David.
The Philippines has recorded more than 2.5 million COVID-19 cases and more than 38,000 deaths and is one of Asia’s worst-affected countries in terms of casualties and economic losses.
Among those who patiently waited in the long queue of vehicles was Maxine Mariano, who brought Cookie, her seven-year old Shih Tzu, to receive a blessing from the priest who sprayed and sprinkled holy water on her beloved pet.
A priest sprinkles holy water on dogs at a drive-through pet blessing a day before World Animal Day, at Eastwood Mall, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on 3rd October. PICTURE: Reuters/Lisa Marie David.
“We believe that it’s for the long life also of our dog, and then also as Catholics it’s important to have them blessed as well just like us,” Mariano said through the window of her car.
More than 500 animals of different shapes and sizes were blessed during the ceremony.
