Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

My photo
I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The First Tom

When I saw this photo, I felt a chill down my back.

You see, there was the original church cat, Tom who arrived at St. Mary's Redcliffe, Bristol in England so many years ago. 

One day, just for the heck of it, I Googled church cats to see if I could find myself and I came across his little grave. I couldn't wait to find out more and once I began reading, I forgot all about me. I could only imagine how cute he must have been.

You see, I never came to Temptation as a kitten. I wandered here after becoming a full-grown cat. For that reason, I was very lucky to have caught the eye of animal lovers, particularly those in the parish. What if Mary Lou or Jack hated cats? I don't even want to think about it.

Anyway, back to little Tom. It's so sad. It was said that he used to listen to the organist play and always attended services. He also liked the taste of pigeon! 

There are quite a few church cats around, can you believe it? I think you'll enjoy all the sites I've added to my address book which include Purr-n-fur, Church of the Advent friends and those in Richard Surman's photos.

And..to St. Mary's Church Cat Tom, rest in peace. Give me a sign sometime, like blow out a candle or something. I'll make sure the organist plays a sweet hymn just for you.

                                                                                                                 --Tom



5 comments:

Brian's Home Blog said...

A twitter friend @jrmackenzie told me about you so I came by to say hello. My later brother who died 1 yr ago Thanksgiving was a Maine Coon. I sure do miss him, now I have 4 sisters. It is very nice to meet you!!!

ihavecat said...

hi there! love your bloggie! you are sooo pretty Tom. your housekeeper was VERY lucky you found her! Can't wait to read more posts!

ihavecat said...

so cute! like your sense of humor! and btw - that picture of you at the top of the bloggie is STUNNING! Did housekeeper take it or did you hire a professional! VERY stunning!

PS - i am adding you to the I HAVE CAT Blogroll!

Everycat said...

Our Mum left some violets on Tom's grave one year. We live quite close to Bristol. Mr Surman's books are very good.

WW

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Thanks so much to all of you for your comments. ihavecat, what kind words! Brian, you are a gentleman and a scholar; Everycat, you almost got me crying again. Richard Surman is the best, indeed.