SOUTH AFRICA - Cape Town - Blessing of the Animals service at St George's Cathedral (Video) (yS9)

South Africa - Cape Town - 6 October 2019 - St Georges Cathedral held a special service, The Blessing of the Animals, where animals of all kinds attended to receive blessings. The service takes place close to World Animal Day, which is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4 as well as the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181Oct. 3, 1226) is the Roman Catholic Church's patron saint of animals, merchants, and ecology. He abandoned a life of luxury after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and to live in poverty. St. Francis is remembered for the miracles that people say God performed through him and for his compassion for the vulnerable, especially poor people, sick people, and animals. Video: David Ritchie/African News Agency(ANA) (yS9)