Photo Credit: Rainer Maria Schießler

Twibber Stories Germany5. May 2022

Where dogs and hamsters are truly blessed

I met the catholic priest Rainer Maria Schießler recently in his church Sankt Maximilian in Munich and was highly impressed. Not only because the priest is riding his motorbike to the church, but also because he has been working for many years as a waiter and serving beer for good causes at the famous Oktoberfest.

More astonishing: Father Schießler runs regular church services for animals and gives them blessings. Poodles, west highland terriers, rabbits, and even turtles are brought by their proud owners to the church near the river Isar in Munich. It’s all about respecting animals in general, the priest says.

Some other churches also bless animals, but Schießler’s initiative to welcome them inside the church building is quite unusual. While dogs, cats, and hamsters enjoy the church service, the priest holds a talk with an expert on animal rescue. Donations are collected. As for me, a remarkable idea to invite people to come back to church, with or without pets.

Originally published on February 17, 2022.

TWIB SENT BY:
Marika Schaertl, 52, Munich, Germany

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