Today is World Animal Day and in Arequipa dozens of pets received a blessing from a parish priest Juan José Alania from the district of José Luis Bustamante y Rivero.
Citizens brought dogs, cats and even birds. According to the parish priest, the blessing of domestic animals during this day is a tradition that It originated when Franciscan friars prayed to give him protection and good health.
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Among the multitude of famous phrases uttered by the founder of the Franciscan order, one stands out: “The animals are my brothers and I do not eat my brothers”.
The action took place outside the church and in the presence of the district mayor, Fredy Zegarra Black.
“It is a tradition and it is part of our Franciscan affection. At the beginning of the ritual it was explained that it is important to value God’s creation. In the book of Genesis, where creation is talked about and we are given the little animals for their care and appreciation.”he expressed.
