India, Oct. 6 -- Dogs, cats, birds, turtles and even goats were spotted in the churches of Mumbai on October 4 for the annual Blessing of the Animals tradition, held in honour of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. At the Church of Our Lady of Health in Kalbadevi, dozens of pet parents brought their beloved pets to be blessed by Father Joseph D'Souza, the parish priest.

Among the dogs at the church was Goa, the pet dog of late industrialist Ratan Tata. Goa was brought to Our Lady of Health church in Kalbadevi by Vanessa Dsouza, a resident of Fort, The Free Press Journal reported.

Goa was blessed with holy water and a short prayer at the church, along with other pets.

The Blessing of the Animals, held in honour of St Fran...