One priest, countless dogs, several birds, a couple of cats, a few fowl, a pair of fish, one white rabbit, numerous cute kids, parents and grandparents, beautiful young women, tough guys and cool teens, multiple media outlets, and spectators (with cameras and cell phones) congregated at 4 PM today in the plaza outside the Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Temple of Our Lady of Mercy) for the Bendición de los Animales (Blessing of the Animals).
This annual event, held on August 31, celebrates the feast day of San Ramón de Nonato, patron saint of women in labor, persons falsely accused, and keeper of animals. The gathering was muy tranquilo; a Peaceable Kingdom prevailed and Edward Hicks would have felt right at home.
I must say the priest was quite energetic with the holy water and even the non-believers among us got a good sprinkling and came away feeling blessed!
(ps) Fellow blogger, Chris, caught the priestly action.
(pps) Noticias has video… the music is priceless!
Hi and thanks for the great report and links.
I came to say thank you & to let you know that I’ve linked to your blog post, but stayed to register as a follower after seeing your wonderful photo of the cracked pot in “lush life update”. *smile*
Here’s where I linked to your post in my report on the blessing of the animals: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=mexico&thread=5279&page=1
Best wishes,
Bixa
Thanks for linking and subscribing! Hmmm… we must have seen each other at La Merced last Wednesday. Do you live in Oaxaca?
By the way, I loved your photos! I still can’t figure out how I missed the turtles.
Thanks!
I live in Xoxo.
The lady with the cowboy-hatted turtle was so sweet. I think she’d had a stroke, as she had difficulty talking & used a cane, but she was happy to be there and proud of the turtle.