Mexican faithfuls bless their pets on Saint Anthony Day
STORY: Location: Mexico City
These pets were blessed by a priest in Mexico
on the Day of St Anthony the Abbott, the patron saint of animals
The Catholic tradition was brought to Mexico during Spanish colonial rule in the 1500s
A priest sprinkles them with holy water to protect them from misfortune and danger
[Armando, Xochimilco resident]
“They’re part of our family. If he is unwell, I think we are doing badly as well. We are doing good if he is good. It’s mainly the importance we give them. We know how to love them.”
