Annual Blessing of Animals Celebrates Pets and Tradition

Pet owners and their furry companions gathered at the Dunedin Cathedral for the annual Francistide Blessing of the Animals on March 15, 2024. This event, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, continues to draw a loyal following despite challenging weather conditions.

Among the attendees were three eager dogs and a somewhat grumpy cat, along with a tuft of fur representing a deceased feline. Prof Sir Jim Mann, a long-time participant, brought his four-year-old wheaten terrier, George, to receive a blessing. Sir Jim has attended the ceremony since its inception in 1998, a tradition initiated by his late wife, Rev Helene Mann. He noted that George had attended nearly every blessing over the years, with the exception of a few occasions when he was out of town.

Sir Jim shared that George particularly enjoys the company of cats at the event. “The cats are his interests; he would enjoy seeing a cat,” he remarked. This year, the event was notable not only for the pets present but also for the memory of a beloved cat represented by a tuft of fur brought by its owner.

Reflecting on previous years, Sir Jim mentioned the unusual pets that have graced the event. “The year that hosted the strangest pet was 2024,” he said, recalling how someone brought along their bees, resulting in a swarm of thousands attending the blessing. He humorously expressed anticipation for the day a sheep might make an appearance.

The blessing was conducted by the Very Rev Dr Tony Curtis, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, who approached the gathering with pockets filled with dog and cat treats. Dr Curtis acknowledged that the tradition had faced interruptions, particularly after a fire at the church in 2020, which made the venue temporarily unsafe for pets due to scaffolding and cables. “As soon as we got the place tidied up, we restarted,” he confirmed, highlighting the resilience of the event.

Despite the weather, the gathering underscored a community spirit, as pet owners came together to celebrate their connections with their animals. The annual blessing remains a cherished occasion, reinforcing the bond between humans and their pets while honoring the legacy of St Francis. Through rain or shine, the tradition continues to thrive, bringing joy to both pets and their owners.