The Cat Who Went To Church

On Sunday March 15 we went to mass at Our Lady of Pilar Basilica in Buenos Aires. The 18th Century Basilica is a beautiful church built by the Jesuits. Built in 1732 it is considered one of the best examples of Argentine colonial architecture.

Toward the end of the mass, I looked up on the altar – at about the second story level – and out of a small hole came….a CAT! He/She walked to the center of the altar, sat down, and stared down on us. Look at me – bow down and worship!

I poked Elisabeth to show her and then others in the congregation saw the same thing and started pointing. The priest had his back to the altar – he must have wondered what was going on! At the end of the mass, someone showed the priest and he started laughing.

This reminded me of the old joke – Cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt – they have not forgotten! Our cat Jake would have been impressed but I do not think he is particularly religious! He sleeps in on Sundays – actually he sleeps in every day!

The Recoleta Cemetery which is adjacent to the Basilica is home to many cats – well fed and cared for by women in the neighborhood. The cats even have their own website.

I imagine our Catholic Cat came in from his cemetery haunt to see what the living were doing!!!