We love our pets like family, so for those who believe in an afterlife – whether it be Heaven, or a peaceful paradise beyond the Rainbow Bridge – we hope that after they pass, we’ll one day see them again. That’s why pet parents were happy to line up to participate in the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land‘s annual “Blessing of the Pets” ceremony.
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
The annual event, held at the friary in Washington, D.C., takes place just before the celebration of Saint Francis Assisi, patron saint of animals and nature.
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
“People love their animals,” Priest Jim Gardiner told WTOP. “Look how affectionate [the pets] are, how forgiving they are.”
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
The event even attracted Aviana Symon and her pet rabbit, who participated in the ceremony for the third time.
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
“I think that it’ll maybe help her health in the future,” Symon said in the news story. “I know Luna’s a big part of my life…She’s definitely a de-stressor for me. I know that rabbits aren’t the most common type of animals, but especially after a hard day at work, it’s nice to come home just to pet her super soft fur. She has fur like velvet. To that end, she’s really part of the family.”
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
Whether your family includes a dog, cat, or anything else, you can probably relate to this loving sentiment!
Posted by Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, September 30, 2017
Would you take your pet to be blessed? Tell us in the comments below!
(h/t: WTOP )
via Whisker Therapy