By St Ann’s Parish
KOTA PADAWAN — St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan came alive with joy, laughter, and the sound of animals as the parish celebrated the much-anticipated ‘Blessing of the Animals Carnival’ in the month of October.
The event, held in conjunction with the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, brought together animal lovers and parishioners from all walks of life to honour and bless their beloved pets.
The carnival aimed to celebrate the bond between humans and animals, highlighting the message of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Families, children, and individuals from the community gathered with pets of all kinds, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles, goose and even fish, to receive blessings for health, protection, and happiness.
In the carnival’s welcoming speech, the three Friars of St Ann’s Church, emphasised the importance of appreciating God’s creation:”Animals are part of God’s beautiful gift to humanity. They remind us to live with compassion, care, and gratitude towards all living things.”
During the blessing ceremony, the friars sprinkled holy water over each animal as their owners lined up patiently. Some animals wore colourful outfits, while many participants shared personal stories of how their pets brought joy and comfort into their lives.
A special moment was when a pair of geese from a local family was also blessed, drawing the attention of the parishioners. The event not only blessed the animals but also served as a reminder of the need for kindness towards animals and environmental stewardship. This blessing carnival emphasised the Church’s role in promoting social responsibility and care for God’s creatures.
The Blessing of the Animals Carnival concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving. Participants left with smiles on their faces, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their pets in the presence of God’s blessings.
The success of this event highlights the growing importance of animal welfare and environmental consciousness within the community of Kota Padawan. St Ann’s Church hopes to make this annual event a tradition, fostering a deeper connection between people, animals, and the divine.
