The internet has blessed us with a myriad of information with a generous side of animal videos. There’s no denying that a majority of us spend a good part of our day laughing at a dog attempting to catch the moon (which he assumed was a ball) or having our hearts melt when a pet and his human have matching cardigans — animals are in general, a true blessing to us all. In fact, Parish priest Father Joseph D’Souza has made that very aspect clear as day when he started a special blessing ceremony for pets, 20 years ago!

On the second Sunday of every October, Mumbaikars unite under one roof with their pets (ranging from household dogs to hamsters and parrots) to attend this pet ceremony. In a report by TOI, Father Joe explained how this feast was done in honor of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, “St Francis is known as the saint of God’s creation and the patron saint of the environment.”

Even if the animal is a stray or from a shelter, they’re welcome to join in on the ceremony. The initiative apparently first started in Goa at the Church of San Anton, reported DNA. So if you’ve got a cute little goldfish swimming around in a glass bowl or even an iguana with a penchant for resembling a statue, Father Joe is here to bless them! Even humans with no pets who simply wish to observe this beautiful ceremony are welcome.

If you’re interested in attending this ceremony, feel free to walk in to St John the Evangelist Church in Fort, at 10am this Sunday, October 8.