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Saturday, 17 January 2009

Blessing the Animals

Fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary Islands
Today is the fiesta of San Antonio Abad (St. Anthony the Abbot) in Fuencaliente, and at midday the priest held a special, traditional service to bless the animals in the church square. I was curious, so I went.

I didn't know whether to expect pets or farm animals, but there were both. At twelve promptly, the priest came out, gave a short sermon on looking after your animals, said a prayer, and then sprinkled the animals with holy water.

When the cat got wet, he said something you don't expect to hear in church, but everyone else seemed happy.

Members of the congregation










Ferret at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary IslandsKid and donkey at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary Islands
Cat at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary IslandsTerrapins at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary Islands
Pet Duck at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary IslandsLittle girl at the fiesta of St Anthony the Abbot, Fuencaliente, La Palma, Canary Islands

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