An unusual congregation gathered at Worcester Cathedral last weekend as sheep, llamas, cats, dogs, spiders and even fish were invited in for a blessing. The event echoes a popular episode of Dawn French's Vicar of Dibley TV comedy, and follows previous years when the cathedral welcomed tarantulas, guineafowl, lizards and stick insects.
Blessing Animals for Centuries
Canon Kimberly Bohan, who took the service, said churches had been blessing animals "for hundreds of years" and described it as "natural" to "bless what we find to be a blessing." She remarked: "Animals make such a difference in our lives; they are part of our families, there for us in good times and bad, and give us unconditional love."
"Many people take great pleasure in the companionship of a pet, and they can bring great comfort to their humans," she added. The canon stressed the service was aimed at giving "thanks and praise for all of our beloved animal friends."
Comfort for Worried Owners
Canon Bohan went on: "Often we find people who bring their animals may be aging and they're worried about them. This gives them a chance to have good conversations about what it's like to be worried about an animal that you love."
The 30-minute service took place last Saturday at 11:00, although the cathedral asked the congregation to be seated by 10:45am, anticipating a short period to get the animals settled.
Viral Goat Returns
Advertising the service before the event, the cathedral said: "All creatures, great and small, are welcome (with a well-behaved owner!). And those who wish to attend without a pet are warmly welcome too; there will be additional seating for our human worshippers, as well as an area for smaller animals. Please do bring your pets along for a joyous and uplifting service."
In 2022, the service saw a singing goat by the name of Pablo steal the show. Her performance led to fits of giggles from cathedral choir members and she later appeared on The One Show. The then two-year-old goat was shared by the cathedral on TikTok, garnering 1.6 million views and 240,000 likes. After becoming a viral social media sensation, farm workers at Atwell Farm Park near Redditch said visitors turned up specifically to meet Pablo.
Service Animals Honoured
Canon Bohan added: "This is an opportunity to recognise that animals are not just our domestic companions but are a crucial part of our public services. The police dogs are so important. Dogs... who search for someone up a mountain or when someone with dementia wanders off and is being looked for... service animals have always been a part of our life. We bless any animal that will play nice with the other animals!"
Worcester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship and prayer for 14 centuries; the present building dates back to 1084 and is dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Worcester Cathedral was founded in 680. Saint Oswald then built another cathedral in 983, and established a monastery attached to it. Saint Wulfstan began the present building in 1084 replacing the earlier cathedrals.
The Cathedral's attractions include King John's Tomb, Prince Arthur's Chantry, the early 12th Century Chapter House, St Wulfstan's Crypt, medieval cloisters, magnificent Victorian stained glass and spectacular views from the top of the Cathedral tower.
