Mumbai: 75-Year-Old Priest Leads 40-Year-Old Animal Blessing Tradition, Possibly For The Last Time
Mumbai: It was an emotional moment for Father Joseph D’Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church in Cavel, Kalbadevi, as he presided over the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Sunday morning. Dogs, cats, a rabbit and even a constantly meowing black kitten formed part of the congregation. Now 75, D’Souza began the tradition in Mumbai around 40 years ago, when he was serving at the…
On a somber Sunday, Father Joseph D'Souza led the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony at Our Lady of Health Church in Mumbai. The 75-year-old priest, who initiated the tradition 40 years ago, presided over a congregation that included dogs, cats, a rabbit, and even a meowing kitten. D'Souza expressed gratitude for the animals that have enriched human lives since the dawn of creation, referencing the biblical story of Noah's Ark.
As the last parish priest, the ceremony held a special poignancy. Rules now restrict keeping exotic animals at home, so turtles, squirrels, and birds were absent this year. The ceremony honored Goa, the late Ratan Tata's dog, and Panther, a two-week-old street kitten rescued by Umarkhadi resident Saviour Fernandes and his wife Therese.
Other attendees included a seven-year-old partially blind Lhasa Apso named Prince and three stray Indian dogs. The event coincided with Navratri 2026, with temples across Mumbai gearing up for grand celebrations.
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