Stray Cat That Passed Away Is Given A Memorial Service In The Church Where She Lived
In London, there will be a special memorial service at a cathedral for an unexpected individual. It is for a stray cat who called the cathedral home for more than 12 years.
Doorkins Magnificat is the feline that called the church home.
The New York Daily News reported that the stray cat died on September 30 and Southwark Cathedral honored the feline this past Wednesday.
It is with deep sadness that we have to share the news that our dear friend and colleague Doorkins Magnificat @DoorkinsM passed away on Wednesday 30 September. My she rest in peace. Link for further information 👇😿https://t.co/praUDVjahV pic.twitter.com/ulcW3OlHCW
— Southwark Cathedral (@Southwarkcathed) October 2, 2020
It was back in 2008 when Doorkins showed up at the Cathedral between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. She decided that it was a great place to call home, so she moved in.
According to The Guardian, the clergy were quick to offer food and comfort to the stray. She eventually became a part of the community at the church, spending most of her time on a cushion in the consistory court or beneath the chancel near a warm pipe.
It seems as if Doorkins may have provided another benefit for the church. Dean Andrew Nunn said that the feline had increased the membership. When there was a large gathering, the cat didn’t seem to be bothered and she didn’t even miss a beat when Queen Elizabeth II dropped in for a visit.
Eventually, people were more than accustomed to the presence of Doorkins Magnificat and they would purchase merchandise, including coffee mugs, refrigerator magnets, and greeting cards.
— Doorkins Magnificat (@DoorkinsM) August 17, 2020
More than 6000 people followed Doorkins on her official Twitter account.
In 2017, the feline began to develop kidney problems and lost her hearing. Her vision also began to fade, and eventually, she was blind. Last month, she had a stroke and died while the head verger, Paul Timms, was holding her.
The cat was laid to rest in the churchyard after the memorial service was held under the Cathedral’s Gothic arches.
“In more normal times, we often host memorial services for the great and the good. But I don’t think there’s ever been a service for a cat,” Nunn added.
The gathering was limited to 30 people due to the pandemic, but a live stream of the event was also offered. Thousands of people have watched the service via the live stream recording since it was posted.
You can watch if for yourself below: