A cathedral in London, England held a memorial service this week for a stray cat that lived there for around 12 years.
Earlier this week, the Southwark Cathedral honored Doorkings Magnificat, a beloved stray cat that lived in the church for 12 straight years.
The poor cat passed away on September 30, 2020.
Doorkins stumbled upon the church sometime between Christmas Day and New Year of 2008.
It decided to make the cathedral it’s home.
When she arrived at the scene, the feline was a hungry stray cat.
The clergy welcomed the animal with food and open arms, said a report that was published by The Guardian.
The cat became a part of the church community and found her space next to a warm pipe beneath the chancel or on a cushion that was placed outside the consistory court.
Andrew Nunn, a Dean, credited Doorkins for bringing new members to the church.
They called the cat “godsend”.
The cat called the church her house and was never bothered by large gatherings, especially during special occasions.
She was also there when Queen Elizabeth II stopped by the church.
She became such a staple to the cathedral that the church created Doorkins Magnificat merchandise.
The churches had fridge magnets, mugs, and greeting cards along with many items based on the stray cat that was living there.
If you think that she’s only famous in the local area, you’re wrong.
The cat probably has more followers than you currently have on your social media, combined!
On Twitter, Doorkins has over 6,000 followers.
In 2017, Doorkins started to show that they had health problems.
The poor cat suffered kidney problems, lost all her vision, and loss hearing.
She passed away in the arms of Paul Timms, the head verger, at his home after a stroke.
Before laying the cat to the rest in the church’s yard, the church held a memorial service under the Gothic arches of the cathedral.
Nunn said:
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.
Around 30 people were allowed to attend the service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the service was also live-streamed so others could watch the special ceremony of Doorkins.
It was reported that over 7000 people in the area watched the service with the help of the internet.