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PICTURES: Black Isle animal shelter stages special blessing





AN animal shelter that provides a safe haven for a wide variety of creatures seeking forever homes staged a special blessing at the weekend.

Picture: Callum Mackay.
Picture: Callum Mackay.

The Blessing of the Animals is held annually on or around October 4, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Munlochy Animal Aid stalwart Iona Nicol said the shelter had been approached about the idea by the church some years ago.

Little Tara saying a prayer. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Little Tara saying a prayer. Picture: Callum Mackay.

She said: “I liked the idea and welcomed the recognition that animals have rights too and should be valued for what they are.”

St Francis is regarded as the patron saint of the environment and animals because he loved all creatures and is even said to have preached to even the birds.

Iona Nicol of Munlochy Animal Aid. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Iona Nicol of Munlochy Animal Aid. Picture: Callum Mackay.

Mrs Nicol said: “It was all dogs on this occasion as it happens but we have even had a budgie in the past, which I was quite taken with.”

Amongst the dogs brought by attendees was a characterful little terrier who appears to ‘pray’ and also enjoys tagging along to dance classes.

Picture: Callum Mackay.
Picture: Callum Mackay.

The popular service was led by Father Mel Langille.

One blessing associated with the event is: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.”

Mrs Nicol said donations made at the service were greatly appreciated for a charity that absolutely depends on the kindness of supporters to continue the service it offers.

Father Mel Langille blessing. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Father Mel Langille blessing. Picture: Callum Mackay.

The charity will attend the Black Isle Gathering hosted at Fortrose Academy on Saturday, October 19 from 10am. Mrs Nicol plans running the ever-popular bottle stall.

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.


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