Cat Lived In A Church For 12 Years And When She Passed Away They Gave Her A Beautiful Memorial Service

Back in 2008, a hungry and frightened stray cat walked into the Southwark Cathedral in London and never left.

Stephanie

• Published in Animal Stories
• November 28, 2020

Back in 2008, a hungry and frightened stray cat walked into the Southwark Cathedral in London and then the cat never left. Affectionately known as Doorkins Magnificat, the kitty became a much-loved part of the church and its community.

According to Dean Andrew Nunn, Doorkins the cat made "the place softer and gentler and more accessible for the thousands." This incredible cat even met the Queen - more specifically, she stole Her Majesty's favorite seat!

Us cat lovers know that it's hard to argue with a cat over who gets the seat. Naturally, the cat gets the seat, even when the debate is with the Queen herself.

Sadly, on September 30th, the beloved cat passed away. Southwark Cathedral wasn't about to let Doorkins go without a proper goodbye, so they held a memorial service before laying her to rest in the churchyard.

In a heart-warming obituary, the Dean thanked God for "giving us such companions out of your good creation." It's clear that Doorkins will be greatly missed and remembered by many.

Doorkins settled at the church twelve years ago, after the Vergers started feeding her every morning. She loved to nap in her favorite spots throughout the church and would stretch out on the radiator during the cold winter months.

Dean Andrew Nunn explained that before Doorkins' arrival, the church had considered having a cat because the Cathedral was plagued with mice. "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," he said.

The Dean says that animals play a vital role in maintaining creation.

"What would we do without the pollinators? Where would we be without those carrion animals and birds that help clear up the environment? he said.

"We all have a part to play, and some animals have become friends and companions," he continued. Doorkins became "the focus of so much love and affection because we all need someone or something to love."

The Dean says that Doorkins was very much her own cat. "We couldn't control her behavior; that meant that we had to relax," he said.

Doorkins would make appearances during services and would make sure she was the center of attention, even during the most solemn moments. "Being disruptive meant that we couldn't stand on ceremony," the Dean said.

"Brits love ceremony, but sometimes we have to chill out, and that is what Doorkins helped us to do. It meant that those who might be intimidated by formality found a way into sacred space," Andrew Nunn explained.

In 2017, Doorkins was featured in a book by the Cathedral, showcasing a week in their beloved Magnificat's life. She also featured on some of the church's postcards.

"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," the Dean said.

"She has been a blessing to us in so many ways. We will miss her."

We hope you're resting peacefully, Doorkins!

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Stephanie