House of worship - Animal blessings held at the Protestant parish of Rudow.
During a trip to New York, Heinz-Jürgen Stamm, a member of the local church council, was inspired by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This well-known church is famous for its animal blessings, where diverse animals come to receive a blessing. Tracing the history of these blessings back to the 17th century, they were traditionally given to animals used for work, with the aim of ensuring their health and wellbeing, and ultimately safeguarding the welfare of humans.
In Berlin, the Rogate Monastery St. Michael and the parish St. Canisius have hosted animal blessing ceremonies. They usually take place on October 3rd, the day before St. Francis' feast day, as St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animal welfare. October 4th is World Animal Day.
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After being influenced by the animal blessings in New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Berlin's Rogate Monastery St. Michael and the parish St. Canisius began hosting similar events. Just like in New York, these blessings aim to promote the health and wellbeing of animals, thereby ensuring human welfare. Interestingly, animal blessings in Berlin often occur on October 3rd, a day before St. Francis' feast day, celebrating St. Francis, the patron saint of animal welfare. Similarly, animal blessings were traditionally conducted in Rudow, Berlin, with colorful ceremonies, extending the blessings to diverse animals, including dogs.
