Yes, can you believe we celebrated our 6th annual St Mamas Pets’ Blessing Day on Sunday 7 September?
His Eminence Archbishop Sergios and Pater Nikolaos opened the proceedings, which took place in the grounds of the Metropolis in Rondebosch, with a beautiful Greek chant. Pater Nikolaos followed with a prayer for animals and their keepers and all the children and parents also recited a powerful prayer for compassion and protection towards all animals and then the pets were proudly lined up to be blessed by Pater.
Pepe Sofianos invited the children to collect any spare change throughout the coming year and to place it in a special collection jar which will be kept at the Sunday School. At next year’s St Mamas Pets’ Blessing Day the money will be donated to an animal charity chosen by the children.
Then the serious fun started as the children went on a treasure hunt in the garden for special prizes for their pets and there were plenty of delighted whoops as clues were discovered. There were fun and games and yummy eats and of course, the traditional marshmallow toasting bonfire kept excitement levels sky high.
As always, Deanne Hathaway’s popular ponies were a big hit with the children and even those who had never been near a horse before clamoured for more.
The children had a glorious afternoon despite the holing gale force winds that almost blew us away!
Everyone went home happily hugging their pets and generous goody bags plus a message of love and compassion from Saint Mamas to treasure and respect all living creatures and our environment which are gifts from God.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Purina who generously sponsored all the goody bags and pet prizes yet again. We are always very grateful for their generous and ongoing support which makes this day so enjoyable and memorable both for the children and their pets.
And a big thank you to His Eminence and Pater Nikolaos for helping to make this annual event so special.
Keep the date for 2016 — same place, even more fun!.
By Pepe Sofianos.