woman holding a dog in church
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
January 19, 2022 ·  3 min read

A Kind Priest Brings Stray Dogs To Mass So They Can Find New Families

A kind priest has made it his life’s mission to bring homeless dogs to church in Brazil. There they meet new owners. Now, if you were thinking that the homeless, abandoned dogs seek God of their own accord, you would be wrong. Nevertheless, the actions of the priest can still be seen every Sunday at Paroquia de Sant’Ana Gravata.

Father Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes is the head of the parish of Santana in the Gravata city in Brazil. Needless to say, his actions are extremely inspiring and help the stray dogs that lounge around his church. He regularly takes in homeless animals from the streets and makes them a part of his service. This helps them find loving homes. 

The Kind Priest Introduces Dogs In The House Of God

We can all attest to the fact that dogs are the very symbol of unconditional love, memories, and laughter. This makes it even more important that we pay them back in return. And when you have a kind priest, who is also a faithful believer in God and compassion, it goes without saying that the church would always be open for the dogs. Also, if the church had dogs being present during Mass, who wouldn’t attend?

Father Paulo with a rescued dog while holding a service
Image Credits: Padre Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes | Facebook

The kind priest, Father Joao Paulo, has been housing abandoned animals in his rectory away from the perils that lay in the streets. However, sometimes he also brings them to his church service in the hopes that they get noticed by pet-lovers. That is precisely why every Sunday, the priest makes sure the dogs are the main attraction. Therefore they have an honorable spot where everyone would be able to see them. Understandably, dogs will be dogs, and they are always in need of some petting. Being adorable and excited as they always are, they surround the priest at the altar for some belly rubs and attention. 

The Actions of The Kind Priest Has Reduced The Number of Homeless Dogs

In a Facebook post, the kind priest spoke about how they will always find a home to enter, sleep, eat, drink, and find protection- for this is the house of God. He has also engaged the large community of this church in his mission to rescue dogs. Normally, he encourages them by inviting people who would be interesting in bringing home a new member of their family. His compassionate actions have naturally raised awareness and brought about a change in the city of Gravata. 

Father Gomes petting a rescue dog during service
Image Credits: Padre Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes | Facebook

The kind priest is aware that many rescue dogs are often neglected, quite affected by the cruel street life, and are usually in desperate need of attention and urgent help. The Father of the Parish has not only provided them with a temporary home and affection to these poor creatures, but he also makes sure that they are well-taken care of[1]. He feeds them and ensures that they have the necessary medical treatment. The recoveries that these noble creatures show under the eye of this kind man does highlight how compassion can turn the forgotten, neglected dogs of this city into the beautiful creatures that they are. 

Does The Kind Priest Inspire You?

Thanks to the actions of this Father Paulo, the number of abandoned dogs on the streets of Gravata has gone down considerably. Dozens of dogs have already found homes that care for them immensely. In fact, after meeting with so many faithful animals in person, the priest himself has adopted quite a few dogs. 

Father Gomes holding service alongside a dog with a mask on.
Image Credits: Padre Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes | Facebook

In an interview with Bored Panda, the kind priest stated, “I helped several dogs with serious health problems. Some of them I brought to the parish house and they were later adopted. Three of them stayed with me. Today, they are my children and sleep in my bed.” The heartfelt deeds of the priest didn’t exactly go unnoticed after a picture of him conducting mass with dogs went viral on Facebook. This selfless gesture of Christian solidarity also echoed on social networks and brought forth a host of positive comments. 

The world needs people like this kind of priest, who would go above and beyond the call of duty to help those who are in need of it. As it stands, true Christianity calls for it.

Keep Reading: Annual Festival Honors Dogs For Their Loyalty And Friendship

Sources

  1. Facebook
  2. “A Kind Priest Brings Stray Dogs To Mass So They Can Find New Families.” Bored Panda. Hidrėlėy.