MEXICO: People in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico bring their animals to be blessed by a priest as part of the yearly celebration of Saint Raymond Nonnatus

Record ID: 305595

  • Title: MEXICO: People in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico bring their animals to be blessed by a priest as part of the yearly celebration of Saint Raymond Nonnatus
  • Date: 1st September 2012
  • Summary: OAXACA, OAXACA, MEXICO (AUGUST 31, 2012) (REUTERS) PARISHIONERS WAITING FOR THE PRIEST WITH THEIR PETS PUPPIES WOMAN HOLDING AN UMBRELLA OVER HER DOG CHURCH OFFICIAL STATUE OF SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS PARISHIONERS WAITING FOR THE PRIEST WITH THEIR PETS DOGS WEARING COSTUMES
  • Embargoed: 16th September 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Quirky,People,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVADM29ABH274M6DYL9X0R2BSJOE
  • Story Text: Local citizens in the southern Mexican city of Oaxaca on Friday (August 31) brought their pets to be blessed on the feast day of Saint Raymond Nonnatus.
    Dozens of local churchgoers brought their pets to Oaxaca City's La Merced church, in the city's historic center.
    Because of the special occasion, many of the parishioners dressed their dogs, cats, ducks and other animals in colourful clothing, pants, capes, and other accessories.
    "It's a tradition that every year we celebrate the day of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, who is the protector of animals. The tradition is to bring the animals so that they can be blessed," explained local woman Liliana Sosa.
    The exact origin of the tradition remains a mystery, but many local residents believe the tradition began when local farmers brought mules, bulls, horses and oxen - working animals - to be blessed at La Merced, which was once on the outskirts of the city.
    Father Victor Hernandez Antonio said that the tradition is an opportunity to ask forgiveness for the mistreatment of animals.
    "Sometimes we also treat our animals poorly, so we will ask God's forgiveness because we offend against the nature he created for us. Together we confess," he said.
    August 31 is the only day of the year in which animals are blessed at the church.
    "I hope that this continues, that people bring their animals because, as you can see, animals also suffer," local woman Guadalupe Villanueva said on Friday.
    Saint Raymond Nonnatus (1204-1240) is also considered the patron saint of pregnant women, childbirth, midwives, and priests seeking to protect the secrecy of confession. He is also considered the patron saint of the town of Baitoa, in the Dominican Republic.
    Oaxaca, however, is the only place where he is considered to be a protector of animals.
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