Cardinal blesses livestock and pets at Vatican celebration

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While many people around the world seek a blessing for their animals around the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in Italy the traditional date to pray for the protection of one's pets and livestock is Jan. 17 -- the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and a member of the Franciscan order, celebrated Mass for farmers on the feast day and then went outside to bless their livestock.

The Italian association of livestock raisers brought donkeys, cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, geese and goats, who munched on feed in wooden pens set up just outside St. Peter's Square.

But before they could be blessed, the calvary came. To the delight of pilgrims, tourists and residents, 80 horses and riders, representing a variety of Italian mounted units -- including a mounted band -- road up the long boulevard leading to St. Peter's.

Dozens of Rome residents also brought their dogs, all of whom received the cardinal's blessing, even if not all of them were doused by the holy water he sprinkled.