The blessing of dogs and their masters, a highlight of the Saint Roch celebrations this Friday August 16 in Montpellier

bénédiction par Mgr Turini. Midi Libre – RAYAN DEWALQUE

De toutes races.

Et de toutes tailles. Midi Libre – RAYAN DEWALQUE

Dans tous les styles. Midi Libre – RAYAN DEWALQUE

Mgr Turini, archevêque de Montpellier, a procédé à la bénédiction sur le parvis de l'église Saint Roch. La cérémonie a attiré de nombreux Montpelliérains, touristes et curieux, ce vendredi 16 août. Au défilé, pour la première fois, cinq chiens militaires ont participé.

“He will go to dog heaven.” Chris went to the forecourt of Saint-Roch church this Friday, August 16, to receive the blessing of Archbishop Norbert Turini. But not without her dog Taiyō, 5 months old, a cross between a husky and a border collie. “He is my son. I am a believer and I am taking her.” Representing the companion of Saint Roch, who saved him from starvation by bringing him bread every day, as tradition tells, canines play a central role in this religious ceremony.

“Me, I am baptized but not a believer.” Maxime came with Themis, his 2-year-old Pyrenean mountain dog. “It's a well-known tradition for the people of Montpellier.” Chris and Maxime hold their furry friends in their arms while the archbishop throws the holy water. First, the city and the people of Montpellier, then the bread, and finally for the canine quadrupeds. To close, as if it was planned, a dog barked, provoking laughter and applause.

This year, a first

“We are the salt regiment with dogs in France”; says Jean-François Sicard, captain of the 132nd Infantry Regiment. This year is the first time that the parade includes military dogs.“It was a mutual desire”, explains Fleur-Marie Desfougères, director of the Centrale canine, an association that coordinates the dog community at the national level. “I hope that there will also be civilian dogs in the years to come.”

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