The street cat made the cathedral its home 12 years ago, capturing the hearts of the clergy, congregation and tourists
She started out as a street cat, stealing leftovers from market traders Then, 12 years ago, the little tabby made her home in Southwark Cathedral where she achieved celebrity status: meet the queen , play in a children’s book and have their own social media accounts
Doorkins Magnificat’s extraordinary journey, from mangy Moggie to darling feline, ended on Wednesday, a month after his death, when a thanksgiving service was held under the Gothic arcades of the cathedral before let her rest in the cemetery
It was an unusual occasion, Andrew Nunn, the dean, told the congregation. « In normal times we often hold memorial services for the great and the good But I don’t think there ever was service for a chat «
Not everyone approved There had been a bit of a storm on Twitter, Nunn said later – especially from some of his own colleagues
« Is this a joke? » Philip North, Bishop of Burnley tweeted « I hope so otherwise he is extremely callous to bereaved families and those caring for them in the North West under regional coronavirus restrictions »
But, Nunn said, Doorkins’ life story had meaning beyond the mere tale of a cat finding a new home She had sought and found refuge in a church « She came, she is walked in and we welcomed her People concluded that if this little cat is welcome, maybe so am I, ”said Nunn
Doorkins arrived at Southwark Cathedral in 2008, a hungry wanderer in search of a bowl of food and a stroke The orchards, which open the cathedral doors each morning, forced the two
Soon Doorkins felt at home with a series of privileged places: next to a hot pipe under the stone seats of the choir, on a cushion in the consistory courtyard, stretched over a grid that let in the warm air in the vast interior of the cathedral Every Christmas, she dozed in the straw of the cathedral’s manger
She did not have a truck with status or opportunity The bishop was regarded with disdain She engaged in long intimate washes during solemn prayers; she strolled through the nave of Evensong When the queen visited, she opened a fraction’s eyes, assessed the importance of the occasion and fell asleep again
Doorkins captured the hearts of the clergy, congregation, visiting dignitaries and tourists But she never quite gave up her wild instincts « No way she was a cat on her knees She could be nice at times, but only on her own terms, and she could lash out when she had enough She set the tone in every relationship, « Nunn said
In a clever commercial spirit, the cathedral has developed a range of Doorkins Magnificat merchandising: greeting cards, mugs, mouse pads, fridge magnets Three years ago, Doorkins appeared in a children’s picture book At by then she already had her own Twitter account with over 6000 followers
It was a happy life But Doorkins did not escape the trauma of the London Bridge terror attack in June 2017, when the cathedral was locked for several days As usual, she had been kicked out for the night and there was no way to get back through the locked doors and armed police
« When we finally got back to the cathedral, she ran in and didn’t want to come out, » Nunn said. Soon after, her health began to deteriorate, with kidney problems, loss of life. ‘hearing and finally blindness
Paul Timms, the chief auditor, brought her home to take care of her Following a stroke, she died in his arms on September 30
In accordance with Covid regulations, a maximum of 30 people were allowed to attend Wednesday’s service, although it was broadcast to the many admirers of Doorkins Timms carried his ashes in a wooden coffin to a small grave next to a wall separating the peace of Cathedral Gardens from the bustle of Borough Market
Nunn, who confessed that he was “usually not a cat,” said Doorkins had been “a godsend.” He added: “She did more to get people to this place than I did. never will «
Southwark Cathedral, London Borough of Southwark, Cat, Andrew Nunn, Orchard
World News – UK – Southwark Cathedral Cat Doorkins Magnificat is buried in rest
