Four Dogs, a Cat and a Pigeon

This morning the faithful filed out after Mass to join a few other villagers already assembled on the steps of Santa Maria Assunta. Unlike the rest of the town shopping and socializing at the Sunday market just down the hill, this handfull of Panzanese chose to celebrate an old Italian tradition - the blessing of the animals. In honor of St. Anthony the Abbott, a fourth century saint and mystic, ceremonies are held on the saint’s feast day- January 17. or the nearest Sunday, to celebrate and commemorate his love and protection of animals and livestock as well as farmers.

Here in Panzano, the parish priest flanked by two altar servers (who may have been sisters) prayed over the owners and their treasured pets. During the prayer one of the altar girls held the leash of a fluffy white poodle decked out in a pink coat. The small crowd shared a solemn “Amen” as the prayer concluded. Then the priest moved through the group, descending a step at a time, sprinkling holy water and gently petting and praising each pet, even the pigeon.

Blessing of the animals on the steps of the church