Llamas, lizards and spiders to be blessed at cathedral

6 hours ago

Millie Trenholm,in Worcesterand

Elliot Ball,West Midlands

News image — Animals from far and wide have been invited to Worcester Cathedral this weekend

Worcester Cathedral A brown llama with fluffy fur and wearing a red halter is held by its owner, who is wearing a red t-shirt. The animal is in a cathedral with tall pillars behind it and a large stained-glass window. — Animals from far and wide have been invited to Worcester Cathedral this weekend

From llamas to lizards, and sheep to stick insects, a rather unusual congregation will gather at church this weekend.

Worcester Cathedral has invited creatures great and small from across the region to an animal blessing.

In previous years the congregation has included tarantulas, fish, guineafowl, dogs and cats.

Canon Kimberly Bohan, who will be taking the service, said churches had been blessing animals "for hundreds of years" and said it was "natural" to "bless what we find to be a blessing".

"Often we find people who bring their animals may be aging and they're worried about them," she said.

"This gives them a chance to have good conversations about what it's like to be worried about an animal that you love."

Canon Kimberly Bohan pictured outside the cathedral. She is wearing a pink overshirt over her traditional liturgical vestments. She has long grey hair and is wearing a pair of thin black glasses. — Bohan said many people who attend the service are worried about their animals

The 30-minute service will take place on Saturday at 11:00, although the cathedral has asked the congregation to be seated by 10:45 BST.

There will also be a focus on working and retired service animals.

"This is an opportunity to recognise that animals are not just our domestic companions but are a crucial part of our public services," said Bohan.

"The police dogs are so important. Dogs... who search for someone up a mountain or when someone with dementia wanders off and is being looked for... service animals have always been a part of our life."

Worcester Cathedral

Spiders and insects have been part of the congregation in previous years

Worcester Cathedral has confirmed there will be an area for smaller animals

Bohan added: "We will bless any animal that will play nice with the other animals.

"Come if your animal is going to enjoy it, come if you are going to enjoy it, and come if you're looking for a good excuse to come into the cathedral when it's open."

In 2022, the service saw a singing goat by the name of Pablo steal the show.

Her "bah-rilliant" performance led to fits of giggles from cathedral choir members and she later appeared on The One Show.