The last creature on Earth you would ever expect to take a bow of chastity would be a dog, but this isn’t some dude who’s a “dog”. It’s an actual dog, as in a four-legged creature who barks and likes to christen fire hydrants.
But how is that possible. Well, when the good book mentioned that we are all God’s creations, that description wasn’t limited to human beings. So it only makes sense that the stray dog would be welcomed as a Friar at the St Francis Monastery in Cochabamba, Bolivia.So in some ways, it makes perfect sense that an animal quite literally joined the brotherhood at this Bolivian monastery, and the Friars there absolutely adore him.
Now that he had joined the sacred fold of the monastery, Carmelo was given a new name, Bigoton, which in Spanish means “mustache”.
That’s right.
Bigoton had earned the formal title of Friar, and he even got the chance to wear a tiny Franciscan habit as he walked, and in some cases ran through this holy monastery.
You could almost say that his fate to join the monastery was like a divine intervention.
Even fellow Friar Jorge Fernandez stated that “he is a creature of God. His life is all about playing and running, and here, all of the brothers love him very much.
Here’s a photo that Franciscan Kasper Marius Kapron posted online, which showed Brother Bigoton preaching to the fish..
or maybe he was just looking for some food.
Bigoton’s adoption was made possible by Proyecto Narices Frias (Cold Nose Project), which is a local animal rescue group.
Their hope is that Bigoton’s touching story will inspire other monasteries to open their doors to needy animals.
Leading by example is often the best way to teach people the right thing, and they Friars at the monastery are confident that their bold example will result in parishioners following their lead.
Meanwhile, Bigoton is enjoying life to the fullest in this sacred sanctuary.