January 18, 2011. Amid
this barnyard melody, the papal vicar of Vatican City blessed these
Roman citizens, marking the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot.
A
stable in front of the Vatican may be an odd site, but
Jan. 17 is a day to remind Catholics of God's earthly masterpieces.
At
noontime, a menagerie of buffalo, pheasants, horses, sheep, donkeys
and even roosters took center stage in St. Peter's Square to
commemorate the patron saint of animals, basketweavers and even grave
diggers.
“
It's
a beautiful tradition. He became the patron saint of domestic animals
during the Middle Ages.”
The
event was organized by the Italian association of farmers and
ranchers, whose patron saint St. Anthony, died in Egypt in 356.
This
breeder brought his horses, not just to make them gallop faster, but
for a religious purpose.
“It's
symbolic. It protects the animals.”
Cardinal
Angelo Comastri celebrated a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica with most
of the members of the association, while many waited with their
livestock in the square.
Italian
police, as well as delegations from towns outside of Rome, rode in on
horses to receive the cardinal's blessing.
The
smell was less than flowery, but these little pilgrims certainly
didn't mind seeing their favorite animals in the heart of the city.
SC
AM
HC
-PR
