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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)
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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
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What do you think ?
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
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)
PangolinPal 4 years ago
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!
Load More Replies... PangolinPal 4 years ago
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.
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
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.
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
There should be animals everywhere. If you have room, time and money, please adopt a beautiful animal. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
Sasha Kuleshov 4 years ago
The holy spirit manifested in the form of a cat a no one batted an eye?
Mshauri Mazuri 4 years ago
I am saddened by the news. We have a dog in my church. I hope he lasts for as long as he can.
El Dee 4 years ago
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..
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
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.
Load More Replies...
CatWoman312 4 years ago
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
ahmad fauzi md sharif 4 years ago
What a wonderful creature of God. "Gli", a cat in the Haghia Sophia Mosques also passed away recently.....
Christine Walker 4 years ago
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 
Leslie Jabine 4 years ago
Her coloring is so perfect for her surroundings, it seems like she was meant to be there.
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
God rest your soul you sweet Doorkin. Seems you were loved by all and will be missed by many. R.I.P. little one.❤
Mary Dellenbusch 4 years ago
I hope another kitty will become loved in honour of this swet love.
Journey Alvarado 4 years ago
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
Mary Peace 4 years ago
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?
Load More Replies... 
DAVID CARVER 4 years ago
Not a Catholic church, no. Did you see the part about the Queen attending and meeting the cat?
Load More Replies...
StrawberryParfait 4 years ago
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.
Load More Replies... Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
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)
PangolinPal 4 years ago
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!
Load More Replies... PangolinPal 4 years ago
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.
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
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.
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
There should be animals everywhere. If you have room, time and money, please adopt a beautiful animal. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
Sasha Kuleshov 4 years ago
The holy spirit manifested in the form of a cat a no one batted an eye?
Mshauri Mazuri 4 years ago
I am saddened by the news. We have a dog in my church. I hope he lasts for as long as he can.
El Dee 4 years ago
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..
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
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.
Load More Replies... CatWoman312 4 years ago
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
ahmad fauzi md sharif 4 years ago
What a wonderful creature of God. "Gli", a cat in the Haghia Sophia Mosques also passed away recently.....
Christine Walker 4 years ago
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
Leslie Jabine 4 years ago
Her coloring is so perfect for her surroundings, it seems like she was meant to be there.
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
God rest your soul you sweet Doorkin. Seems you were loved by all and will be missed by many. R.I.P. little one.❤
Mary Dellenbusch 4 years ago
I hope another kitty will become loved in honour of this swet love.
Journey Alvarado 4 years ago
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
Mary Peace 4 years ago
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?
Load More Replies... DAVID CARVER 4 years ago
Not a Catholic church, no. Did you see the part about the Queen attending and meeting the cat?
Load More Replies... StrawberryParfait 4 years ago
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.
Load More Replies... You May Like Funny Cats Sleeping In Weirdest Positions Ever Meet Sphynx Cats - The Most Adorable Hairless Felines This Local Donut Shop Waiting Line Always Starts Behind A Cat Who’s Obsessed With Sweet Treats
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