Blessing of the Animals

 

Yesterday, Amy was particularly keen on going to the annual blessing of the animals (Bendición de los Animales) at Nuestra Señora de La Merced, a humble church in Oaxaca Centro district. The day is the Catholic feast day of San Ramón Nonato, canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1657. 

We departed from our village under stormy skies to make the 45 minute drive and arrive by 4 PM. At first there were but few people with animals, but steadily more arrived. People carrying cats, variety of dogs in costumes, fish in aquariums, birds . . . all kinds of creatures along with doting owners. The animals behaved, though sometimes excitedly tugging at leashes.

A priest arrived to the church entrance for the ceremony. He stood beside a huge, old wooden carving of a saint that stood on a platform with myriad blooming lilies beneath. 

A wonderful litany was spoken (in Spanish so I did not understand most of it). At times the crowd with their animals chimed along in a group recitation. At conclusion the priest and helpers walked around and sprinkled holy water in blessing. 

With her little fish

Amy and I gleefully engaged and took photos amidst the friendly and unique gathering. 

This pigeon has been with the woman three years, since hatching from an egg.
In a priest outfit.

We went away  satisfied, once again thankful to be blessed living in such a vibrant and artistic corner of the world as Oaxaca. We determined that next year we would bring our two dogs.