Animal blessing in Vienna: A festival for all furry friends on October 4th

Animal blessing in Vienna: A festival for all furry friends on October 4th

As part of the celebrations for the world day of the animal, which is celebrated on Friday, October 4, the Archdiocese of Vienna organizes a variety of animal blessings. This initiative aims to appreciate a special relationship between people and their pets by also include different types of animals, be it dog, cat, bird or even exotic animals.

The event is not only symbolic, but also emphasizes the perspective of the church that every living being is part of creation. Pastor Anton "Toni" Faber will play a central role by leading a large blessing ceremony at Stephansplatz in front of the iconic Stephansdom. In addition to the blessing of the animals, musical performances, the reading of biblical texts and a speech are planned to underline the importance of this day.

The blessing of the companions

A remarkable aspect of animal blessing is that your own pet does not necessarily have to be present in person. Participants have the opportunity to bring a photo or an object of their pet to blessing. This also offers parents the opportunity to bring soft toys to this emotional ceremony with their children, which makes the occasion even more familiar.

To prepare for the blessing day, the archdiocese recommends that dogs are always led on a leash and with a muzzle during the event. Smaller animals should be brought in suitable transport cages or bags to ensure an orderly ambience. The blessings begin the previous day, the October 3, with appointments in several parishes, including the parish of Schmelz in the 16th district and the parish of Alser suburb in the 8th district.

For everyone who wants to participate in the animal blessings, the exact dates and places on the official website of the Archdiocese of Vienna are shared, which provides a clear overview of the celebrations. This warm invitation not only reflects the love of people to their pets, but also the basic message of the church about the well-being and care for all living things. Target = "_ blank" rel = "Nofollow noopener noreferer"> More information can be found here.

The importance of such events in urban areas is evident in the increasing participation of animal owners who want to express their connection with their pets. A day that not only honors the animals, but also brings together a community of animal lovers and celebrates the joy of our animal friends.