Cat Who Lived In A Church For 12 Years Passes Away, The Church Gives Her An Entire Memorial Service
On a winter day in 2008, a hungry stray cat stumbled upon the Southwark Cathedral in London and never left. The kitty soon found her cozy little space right by a warm pipe beneath the chancel or on a cushion in the consistory court.
Doorkins Magnificat became such a vital part of the church’s community, capturing the hearts of clergy and visitors alike, making “the place softer and gentler and more accessible for the thousands,” according to Dean Andrew Nunn. She even met a Queen, or rather the Queen met her when the kitty fell asleep in her majesty’s favorite spot and remained there as her majesty arrived.
But unfortunately, on September 30, Doorkins Magnificat passed away. To commemorate the beloved feline, Southwark held a memorial service and laid Doorkins to rest in the churchyard. In a touching obituary, the Dean thanked God for “giving us such companions out of your good creation.” And the once-stray kitty will surely be missed by the hearts of many.
More info: SouthwarkCathedral.org.uk
(h/t: My Modern Met)
Doorkins Magnificat was once a stray cat who found a loving home at Southwark Cathedral on a cold winter day in 2008
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Doorkins Magnificat decided to settle at Southwark Cathedral twelve years ago after the Vergers would feed her each morning. The kitty was given her magnificent name and became a loved and loving resident inseparable from the church.
She always had her favorite spot to nap and in the cold winter months, Doorkins would stretch out on the radiator or snuggle into the hay during Advent.
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Bored Panda reached out to Andrew Nunn, the Dean at Southwark Cathedral, who said that prior to Doorkins Magnificat, the personnel had talked about having a cat as the Cathedral was plagued by mice and rats.“
The Cathedral is located by the River Thames and is surrounded by the Borough Market with lots of delicious waste for vermin. But we had never got round to getting a cat and then Doorkins arrived, as a gift…”
The feline became a vital part of the church’s community, capturing the hearts of clergy and visitors alike
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Andrew Nunn explained that animals and creatures of all kinds play vital roles in the good creation. “What would we do without the pollinators? Where would we be without those carrion animals and birds that help clear up the environment? We all have a part to play and some animals have become friends and companions.”
As for Doorkins, she became “the focus of so much love and affection because we all need someone or something to love.” In fact, “Many people found they could love her,” the Dean said.
In 2017, Doorkins started having serious health problems and on September 30, the beautiful girl had a stroke and passed away
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Image credits: Bridget Davey
Image credits: Bridget Davey
It turns out that Doorkins was her own cat, and “we couldn’t control her behaviour. That meant that we had to relax.”
Doorkins would love to intervene, walk through services, and sit giving herself a good lick and clean in front of everyone at the most solemn moments.
“Being disruptive meant that we couldn’t stand on ceremony. Brits love ceremony, but sometimes we have to chill out and that is what Doorkins helped us to do.”
As a result, the community had to adapt to Doorkins’ unique way of being. “It meant that those who might be intimidated by formality found a way into sacred space,” Andrew Nunn recounted.
But the godsend Doorkins Magnificat will always be remembered with love by whoever had a chance to meet her
Image credits: doorkins_magnificat
Image credits: doorkins_magnificat
Image credits: doorkins_magnificat
In August 2017, the Cathedral published a book featuring Doorkins that followed a typical week in the life of their Magnificat. She was also featured on the church’s postcards and visitors would come to visit her every day. Read beautiful stories and see pictures submitted from people who remember Doorkins on this website dedicated to Magnificat’s memory.
Commenting on Doorkins’ passing, the Dean of Southwark, The Revd Andrew Nunn, said, “She met Her Majesty The Queen and was present at more services than most of us. She was photographed by thousands of people and had a book written about her. She has been a blessing to us in so many ways. We will miss her.”
Doorkins’ story of life and remembrance serves as beautiful proof of how much love a stray cat can bring to a church and its personnel, the community, and visitors.
The Cathedral held a memorial service for Doorkins Magnificat which was broadcast live and had 22,473 views
Image credits: Southwark Cathedral
And this is what people had to say about the beloved kitty
All churches should have at least one resident cat- a good investment to keep vermin at bay. But even more important is that cats are a special kind of emotional support animal... some will allow you to stroke or cuddle them and others will sit nearby in companionable silence. (And yes, I am an avowed cat lover :D)
Not just churches, all houses of worship! (I understand that resident kitties are not unusual in mosques - apparently the Prophet himself had a beloved cat, and cats are much loved in Islamic cultures.) But synagogues, Quaker meeting houses - they should all have kitties!
I hope that when they are ready, the clergy at this beautiful cathedral will take in another homeless kitty to carry on Doorkins Magnificat's legacy of purry welcome.
Sleep well pretty kitty :(
Her name is amazing. What an adorable little cat.
What a beautiful cat with a magnificently regal name. I am not very religious (odd, considering I wanted to be a priestess as a child), but I would love to think that this sweet cat provided many people with love, healing, and companionship during darker times in their lives. St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals) would be proud.
Rest in peace, beautiful girl. And, fly high with the angels.
Such a beautiful cat, rest in paradise kitty!!!
There should be animals everywhere. If you have room, time and money, please adopt a beautiful animal. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
truly one of god's creatures
We gotta start doin this 🐱❤
The holy spirit manifested in the form of a cat a no one batted an eye?
this is so heartwarming
I am saddened by the news. We have a dog in my church. I hope he lasts for as long as he can.
With this cat being taken in by the church and the news that one of Biden's dogs, Major, is a rescue dog, it looks like cats & dogs have more chance for social mobility than humans do..
No it doesn’t. Literally billions of animals are killed every year and people justify it and act like it’s chill. It would never happen to humans.
Don’t be afraid Monika. Be smarter and less of a dumb bîtch to strangers online for no reason. You can add all of those incidents up and it wouldn’t even dent what happens in one year to chickens alone. Instead of acting so trashy, you could have just asked me what I meant before you missed my point entirely and tried to act like I didn’t know what I meant by my own comment. So dorky.
War? Murder? Starvation? Opiates (Sackler family, for example) Execution? No, of course not, that never happens to humans. I am afraid you didn't think that through properly.
It means a lot to me to read things like this. I lost my cat back in December 2018 unexpectedly and I still miss her dearly 2 years later. I am indifferent to religion in general, but since many older religions than Christianity believe in an afterlife, I like to believe there is one. Maybe one day I can be reunited with my fallen fur baby. Rip sweet girl
I find it amazing that animals bring out the kindness in most of us!
The divine is in the little, "normal" things... like cats!
Rest in peace, kitty!
What a wonderful creature of God. "Gli", a cat in the Haghia Sophia Mosques also passed away recently.....
Doorkins when we popped into the cathedral on a chilly December day a few years ago. My son stroked her, despite the sign, and got a thorough telling off by one of the vergers. Doorkins, on the other hand, was not phased, and purred happily. IMG_201612...483b48.jpg
I want to be part of a church that respects animals.
RIP, Pretty Girl. :)
Her coloring is so perfect for her surroundings, it seems like she was meant to be there.
The Agia Sophia in Turkey had also a cat named Gli, she passed recently too... so sad
Why couldn't I have met her? T.T
God rest your soul you sweet Doorkin. Seems you were loved by all and will be missed by many. R.I.P. little one.❤
I hope another kitty will become loved in honour of this swet love.
bearbraking . this cat is very pretty i wish i could of met her Rest in peace and always remember that we care for you , love you and miss you
aww... thats so sad... this hit my feels... *sniffle sniffle*
so sad... and i wish i can see the cat...
OMG So beautiful and respectful ceremony. I love it :)
🥺😭
Laura Zaini Good response!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Does anyone care about the children whose lives were ruined by catholic priests raping them? Gosh I know kids sometimes aren’t as cute as a kitten but people seem to shy away from the fact that the church raped children.
A) try reading the article before commenting- this is Anglican/CoE. B) this article is about a special cat, don't ruin something positive. C) child abuse happens across all religions, upbringings, classes and cultures- it's not specific to the Catholic church, and it should NEVER be tollerated under ANY circumstance.
Thomasin, the awful things done to children by catholic priests does not make the story of the cat any less special. We know that happened, but how is this connected - just because it's to do with Church?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
If it was a Catholic Church they probably raped or sacrificed a few small children before giving the cat a celebration.
Not a Catholic church, no. Did you see the part about the Queen attending and meeting the cat?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Wonder how the world would be if they let homeless people, or peopl in need sleep and live, with the same care and be given tributes when they die. THe church is a scam and they need to open the always heated places to all. sell off the churches riches, to feed all ....never see a starving priest or nun, pope that sits on a vast wealth of treasure that could feed and clothes the world ten times over.....money corrupts, religion corrupts
Oh, grow up. This cat brought joy to many for over a decade. Showing kindness and appreciation for our animal friends does not mean that there is no love or compassion left over for others. Most can hold space for both. A despicable pity that you can't.
All churches should have at least one resident cat- a good investment to keep vermin at bay. But even more important is that cats are a special kind of emotional support animal... some will allow you to stroke or cuddle them and others will sit nearby in companionable silence. (And yes, I am an avowed cat lover :D)
Not just churches, all houses of worship! (I understand that resident kitties are not unusual in mosques - apparently the Prophet himself had a beloved cat, and cats are much loved in Islamic cultures.) But synagogues, Quaker meeting houses - they should all have kitties!
I hope that when they are ready, the clergy at this beautiful cathedral will take in another homeless kitty to carry on Doorkins Magnificat's legacy of purry welcome.
Sleep well pretty kitty :(
Her name is amazing. What an adorable little cat.
What a beautiful cat with a magnificently regal name. I am not very religious (odd, considering I wanted to be a priestess as a child), but I would love to think that this sweet cat provided many people with love, healing, and companionship during darker times in their lives. St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals) would be proud.
Rest in peace, beautiful girl. And, fly high with the angels.
Such a beautiful cat, rest in paradise kitty!!!
There should be animals everywhere. If you have room, time and money, please adopt a beautiful animal. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
truly one of god's creatures
We gotta start doin this 🐱❤
The holy spirit manifested in the form of a cat a no one batted an eye?
this is so heartwarming
I am saddened by the news. We have a dog in my church. I hope he lasts for as long as he can.
With this cat being taken in by the church and the news that one of Biden's dogs, Major, is a rescue dog, it looks like cats & dogs have more chance for social mobility than humans do..
No it doesn’t. Literally billions of animals are killed every year and people justify it and act like it’s chill. It would never happen to humans.
Don’t be afraid Monika. Be smarter and less of a dumb bîtch to strangers online for no reason. You can add all of those incidents up and it wouldn’t even dent what happens in one year to chickens alone. Instead of acting so trashy, you could have just asked me what I meant before you missed my point entirely and tried to act like I didn’t know what I meant by my own comment. So dorky.
War? Murder? Starvation? Opiates (Sackler family, for example) Execution? No, of course not, that never happens to humans. I am afraid you didn't think that through properly.
It means a lot to me to read things like this. I lost my cat back in December 2018 unexpectedly and I still miss her dearly 2 years later. I am indifferent to religion in general, but since many older religions than Christianity believe in an afterlife, I like to believe there is one. Maybe one day I can be reunited with my fallen fur baby. Rip sweet girl
I find it amazing that animals bring out the kindness in most of us!
The divine is in the little, "normal" things... like cats!
Rest in peace, kitty!
What a wonderful creature of God. "Gli", a cat in the Haghia Sophia Mosques also passed away recently.....
Doorkins when we popped into the cathedral on a chilly December day a few years ago. My son stroked her, despite the sign, and got a thorough telling off by one of the vergers. Doorkins, on the other hand, was not phased, and purred happily. IMG_201612...483b48.jpg
I want to be part of a church that respects animals.
RIP, Pretty Girl. :)
Her coloring is so perfect for her surroundings, it seems like she was meant to be there.
The Agia Sophia in Turkey had also a cat named Gli, she passed recently too... so sad
Why couldn't I have met her? T.T
God rest your soul you sweet Doorkin. Seems you were loved by all and will be missed by many. R.I.P. little one.❤
I hope another kitty will become loved in honour of this swet love.
bearbraking . this cat is very pretty i wish i could of met her Rest in peace and always remember that we care for you , love you and miss you
aww... thats so sad... this hit my feels... *sniffle sniffle*
so sad... and i wish i can see the cat...
OMG So beautiful and respectful ceremony. I love it :)
🥺😭
Laura Zaini Good response!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Does anyone care about the children whose lives were ruined by catholic priests raping them? Gosh I know kids sometimes aren’t as cute as a kitten but people seem to shy away from the fact that the church raped children.
A) try reading the article before commenting- this is Anglican/CoE. B) this article is about a special cat, don't ruin something positive. C) child abuse happens across all religions, upbringings, classes and cultures- it's not specific to the Catholic church, and it should NEVER be tollerated under ANY circumstance.
Thomasin, the awful things done to children by catholic priests does not make the story of the cat any less special. We know that happened, but how is this connected - just because it's to do with Church?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
If it was a Catholic Church they probably raped or sacrificed a few small children before giving the cat a celebration.
Not a Catholic church, no. Did you see the part about the Queen attending and meeting the cat?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Wonder how the world would be if they let homeless people, or peopl in need sleep and live, with the same care and be given tributes when they die. THe church is a scam and they need to open the always heated places to all. sell off the churches riches, to feed all ....never see a starving priest or nun, pope that sits on a vast wealth of treasure that could feed and clothes the world ten times over.....money corrupts, religion corrupts
Oh, grow up. This cat brought joy to many for over a decade. Showing kindness and appreciation for our animal friends does not mean that there is no love or compassion left over for others. Most can hold space for both. A despicable pity that you can't.