In the small town of San Donaci near Brindisi, Italy an unusual but welcomed guest attends mass at the local Catholic church every day. He comes in, sits quietly by the altar throughout the service, and goes back outside when mass concludes. He is a seven year old German Shepherd named Tommy and his story is sweet, sad, and uplifting all at once.
Tommy was adopted by Maria Margherita Lochi when she found him abandoned in a field nearby her home. The pair were tightly bonded in no time and scarcely left each other’s side. Maria would walk to the church each day to attend mass and Tommy would accompany her. The priest would allow Tommy to sit at Maria’s feet. He was quiet and calm and didn’t disturb anyone.
Sadly, Maria died a couple of months ago at the young age of 57. Her funeral was held at the church where she attended mass daily and naturally, Tommy was there for the service. What happened in the days, weeks, and now months following, has captured the hearts of the entire community. Tommy hears the bells ringing to call worshipers to mass each day and he comes along. He enters the church, sits or lays quietly near the altar, and once the service is finished he goes back outside. Tommy misses his companion and their daily routine so he continues carrying out, perhaps hoping that one day soon, she will be there again.
Father Donato Panna told Daily Mail UK, ”He’s there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved – he doesn’t make a sound, I’ve not heard one bark from him in all the time he has been coming in.”
‘He used to come to Mass with Maria and he was obviously devoted to her – I let him stay inside as he was always so well behaved and none of the other parishoners ever complained to me.
‘He’s still coming to Mass even after Maria’s funeral, he waits patiently by the side of the altar and just sits there quietly. I didn’t have the heart to throw him out – I’ve just recently lost my own dog so I leave him there until Mass finishes and then I let him out.
Tommy is well known to the community. His devotion to Maria and the mass services have made their mark on the neighbors and churchgoers. They have all come together to ensure that Tommy is well fed and cared for now that Maria is gone. Our hearts go out to sweet and loyal Tommy and hope the love of his community helps heal his lonesome heart.
H/T dailymail.co.uk
Featured Image Screenshot Nicola Vitti
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