Brazilian Priest Opens Church Doors To Stray Dogs For Adoption

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Last Updated:September 22, 2023, 18:34 IST

Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes takes abandoned dogs off the streets, feeds them, bathes them, and then presents a dog to each mass, to be adopted.

Social media users appreciated the priest for his kind gesture towards the street dogs. (Photo Credits: Twitter)

In a display of empathy and community spirit, a Brazilian priest has taken an unconventional approach to help stray dogs find forever homes. As a member of the Diocese of Caruaru, Father Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes is a staunch advocate for poor creatures, going above and beyond to ensure that they are adopted into caring homes. The heartwarming story of the priest gesture was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by a user named B and S. The post featured a photo capturing Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes along with a dog sitting beside him. The picture was captured in a church setting.

The priest has opened the doors of the church to provide shelter and solace to abandoned and homeless dogs. His kind gesture encompasses the rescue of stray dogs from the streets, providing them with nourishment. What distinguishes his approach is the exceptional way he aids these stray dogs. “Brazilian priest Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes, from the Diocese of Caruaru, takes abandoned dogs off the streets, feeds them, bathes them, and then presents a dog to each mass, to be adopted. Dozens of stray dogs already have a home thanks to the priest," reads the caption.

During each church service, Father Gomes introduces one of the rescued dogs to the congregation, allowing them to actively participate in the mass. This kind gesture not only sheds light on the dire circumstances these animals face but also extends an invitation to churchgoers to adopt and provide these dogs with a forever home.

The result of the priest’s effort have been truly remarkable, with several stray dogs discovering loving families. Serving the church since 2013, Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes has played a pivotal role in securing homes for numerous strays.

In 2019, during an interview with The Dodo, Joao Paulo Araujo Gomes said, “I wish I could welcome all the animals, but we work with many limitations. Everything I do depends on volunteers and volunteers who help me, so it’s not my merits but those people’s, too."

As soon as the post surfaced on the internet, social media users swamped the comment section with red heart emoticons. Many appreciated the priest for his kind efforts in treating the stray dogs while others prayed to God for dogs’ wellness.

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “In as much ye did it unto one of these my brethren even these least, ye have done it unto to me. True Christianity shown by this priest warms my heart. We can all take a lesson from him."

In as much ye did it unto one of these my breathen even these least, ye have done it unto to me! True Christianity shown by this priest warms my heart. We can all take a lesson from him. 🙏🙏— TallyLassie47@ (@LisaHair9) September 21, 2023

Another commented, “Just love this. Please encourage this throughout the Catholic organization. Thank you, father."

Just love this. 💕💕Dear @Pontifex please encourage this throughout the Catholic organization. Thank You Father 🙏🏻— Gary Hargreaves (@PaPaG_winegeek) September 21, 2023