Animals attend church for blessing day

FATHER James Puppady welcomed all creatures great and small to Lumen Christi Church in Leopold at the weekend for a Blessing of the Animals service.
The third pet blessing service at the Kensington Road church was offered for much-loved and loyal pets, as well as those no longer with us.
The event attracted about 45 owners and their pets, who were mostly dogs. There was also one cat among the mix.
Fr Puppady said St. Francis of Assisi loved all creatures and called them his brothers and sisters.
“So on his feast day is the blessing for the pets,” Fr Puppady said.
“It is on October 4 and for the convenience of the people we kept it on Saturday October 5.
“The pets help people from their loneliness and they are very good companions the people.
“Some are well trained to look after their masters.”
Fr Puppady said the event encouraged young people to come along and socialise.
“We had tea and snacks after the blessing,” he said.
“I thank all the committee members of Lumen Christi Leopold who organised this program.”