[WATCH] Piglets ‘baptised’ during traditional animal blessing in Rabat

Animals get blessed in Rabat

Two piglets born last night were ‘baptised’ on Sunday morning as they joined a procession of animals taking part in the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbott in Rabat.

The feast is celebrated by the Augustinian community and is the oldest in which animals are blessed.

A horse getting his turn to be blessed (Photo: Zac Sansone)

Children, pet owners and farmers gathered in St Augustine Square as Augustinian Provincial Fr Leslie Gatt blessed the animals.

Horses, a cat, many dogs, a duckling, a lone pigeon and an alpaca formed part of the variety of animals that paraded down the narrow street to the square.

A cat observes proceedings from inside its box as its owner peeps in to ensure that she is OK (Photo: Zac Sansone)

This boy brought his pony along to get blessed (Photo: Zac Sansone)

The celebration started with mass and was followed by a procession with the statue of Saint Anthony the Abbott, the protector of animals. The procession was accompanied by the L’Isle Adam band club of Rabat.

Two mounted police officers were first in line to open the blessing ceremony, followed by enthusiastic children and adults coming forward with their animal friends.

Horse owners adorned their steeds for the occasion (Photo: Zac Sansone)

Horse owners made sure their steeds were adorned for the occasion.

The feast can trace its beginnings to the times of the Knights, when the Grand Master used to send his animals to be blessed.