FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY ABBOT IN THE VATICAN

VATICAN CITY, 13 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Tuesday 17 January is the Feast of St. Anthony Abbot, patron of livestock farmers and protector of animals. As in other years, the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers (AIA) will hold its traditional exhibition of farm animals in front of St. Peter's Square. Mass for the farmers and their families will be celebrated in the Vatican Basilica at 11 a.m., followed by a procession of horses in Via della Conciliazione. Finally, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the papal basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican, vicar general of His Holiness for Vatican City and president of the Fabric of St. Peter's, will impart a blessing upon those present. It is expected that, as in previous years, many Roman citizens will come with their pets to attend the event.
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