About 700 people and their pets packed the pews at St. John the Baptist in London’s Holland Park for the annual “Carols with Pets” services. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of London
The Diocese of London said about 700 people and their pets packed the pews at St. John the Baptist in Holland Park for the annual “Carols with Pets” services.
The diocese said the sold-out services, held Sunday and Monday nights, featured about 700 pets and their owners receiving seasonal blessings from five priests.
“During the service, there were three Christmas readings, with treats, tennis balls and bandanas for the dogs,” the diocese said in a news release.
Many of the pets arrived for the service in Christmas sweaters and bow ties.
“People come from a very wide area because they enjoy the atmosphere and we’re delighted to welcome them in … Lots of people came on their own with their pet. Lots of people came as families. Some had sadly lost their pets but wanted to remember them,” the Rev. Neil Traynor, associate vicar of Holland Park Benefice, told The Times of London.
