According to the monastery, a four-legged friar has been enthusiastically welcomed into the Franciscan order at a monastery in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Carmelo, an abandoned stray schnauzer, was discovered at the monastery, appropriately named for St. Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic saint noted for his compassion for animals.
Following his adoption by the Franciscan community, the pup joyfully accepted the position of the monastery’s mascot and quickly became attached to his new family.
Because they wanted to welcome their newcomer into their community appropriately, the brothers gave him his holy name: Friar Bigotón, which translates to “Brother Mustache” in a lighthearted way. Furthermore, he received his own small habit, which he proudly wears while exploring his new surroundings.
He is also receiving plenty of attention from his caring rescuers. “His life is all about playing and running,” friar Jorge Fernandez told The Dodo. “Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creation of the Almighty.”
Friar Bigotón’s new existence, on the other hand, is not without its difficulties. A series of images shared on Facebook shows that he takes his religious responsibilities—such as “preaching to the fish,” patrolling the grounds, and keeping his robe neat—very seriously.
Friar Bigotón’s life-saving adoption was made possible by Proyecto Narices Frias (“The Cold Nose Project”), a local animal rescue organization that assisted with the adoption.
Project Narices Frias and the Cochabamba monastery believe that the story of the tiny dog’s new life will serve as an example to other compassionate religious groups around the world and that more compassionate religious communities would follow in their footsteps.
“If only all the churches of our country adopt a dog and care for him like Friar Bigotón,” stated in a Facebook post by the appreciative organization, “we are sure that the parishioners would follow his example.”
It is Friar Bigotón, who used to be a stray dog before becoming the newest member of a Franciscan brotherhood in the Cochabamba region.
Because the friars were animal lovers, they quickly embraced the schnauzer and were given the title of “mini friar.”
He even has his own teeny, tiny robe that he wears on special occasions.
He wears it with pride as he explores his new surroundings.
H/T: [My Modern Met]
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