London Church Holds Memorial Service for Stray Cat Who Lived in the Cathedral for Twelve Years

 

Doorkins, whose age was unknown, first came to the cathedral seeking food in 2008.

London's famous Southwark Cathedral which is traditionally recognized for its architectural significance,  held a memorial service for its celebrity cat named Doorkins Magnificat that recently died, 12 years after strolling into the church premises as a stray cat.

During her twelve year stay in Southwark Cathedral, the cat reached celebrity status: meeting the Queen, starring in a children’s book and having her own social media accounts.

Doorkins Magnificat, a much loved resident of Southwark Cathedral, was honored in a special memorial service after passing away.

In an unusual move, Andrew Nunn, the Dean of Southwark Cathedral hosted the memorial service on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 before she was laid to rest in the churchyard.

The dean, told the congregation. “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.”

According to Nunn, the story of Doorkins’ life had meaning beyond the simple narrative of a cat finding a new home. She had sought and found sanctuary in a church. “She arrived, she entered and we made her welcome. People concluded that if this little cat is welcome, maybe I am too,” Nunn said.

“No way was she a lap cat. She could be nice at moments but only on her own terms, and she could lash out when she’d had enough. She set the pace in every relationship,” said Nunn.

Going commercial, the cathedral developed a range of Doorkins Magnificat merchandising: greetings cards, mugs, mouse mats and fridge magnets.

In line with Covid-19 regulations, a maximum of 30 people were permitted to attend Wednesday’s service.

Share