NELSON the guinea pig, pictured, will be one of dozens of animals to attend church on Monday when All Saints Anglican parish holds its annual blessing of the pets.
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It will be the first time the All Saints Anglican Church's new Reverend Kesh Govan, whose four children own Nelson, performs the popular blessing service here.
However, it is not new to him.
Mr Govan said the blessing of the animals was just as popular in England where he was the vicar of three churches before moving to Nelson Bay.
It was also made popular in the successful television series The Vicar of Dibley.
"People used to bring cows and sheep to be blessed," Mr Govan said.
"I don't think there will be any livestock on Monday, but I think someone said they would bring a snake."
All people and all animals were welcome to the blessing to be held at the church on Tomaree Street at Nelson Bay, Mr Govan said.
The service is scheduled for 4pm on Monday, October 6.
Mr Govan said the blessing service was a way to recognise and say "thanks" to the animals for the role they play in people's lives.
"We are honouring them," Mr Govan said.
A sausage sizzle will be served following the blessing.
