Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Friday 17 January 2014 17:38 GMT

Italian bishop Guido Pozzo pets a cow in front of the Saint Peter Basilica at the Vatican, during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

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1/10In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Vatican

Italian bishop Guido Pozzo pets a cow in front of the Saint Peter Basilica at the Vatican, during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Vatican

A nun takes a picture of a donkey near the Saint Peter Basilica at the Vatican, during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Vatican

Italian Carabinieri musicians stand on their horses during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Vatican

A typical Sicilian chariot with a horse is pictured in front of the Saint Peter Basilica at the Vatican, during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Vatican

A farmer stands with a Chianina beef in front of the Saint Peter Basilica at the Vatican, during the traditional feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Spain

A coati owner queues with his pet to have it blessed by a priest at San Anton church in Madrid marking Saint Anthony's Day

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Spain

Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and even turtles, many dressed in their finest, trooped into churches across Spain in search of blessing on the patron saint of animals Saint Anthony's Day

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Spain

A cat owner queues with her dressed up pet to have it blessed by a priest at San Anton church in Madrid marking Saint Anthony's Day

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Spain

A dog owner shows off his pet as he queues to have it blessed by a priest at San Anton church in Madrid marking Saint Anthony's Day

In pictures: Saint Anthony's Day pet blessings

Spain

A dog is blessed by a priest at San Anton church in Madrid marking Saint Anthony's Day

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