Meet the Catholic Priest Helping Stray Dogs Find Safety and Loving Homes
by Kristin Dunn
Photo courtesy of Father João Paulo de Araújo Gomes
In Brazil, Catholic priest Father João Paulo de Araújo Gomes has opened his heart and his parish to stray dogs in need, helping them find safety and loving homes. A priest for over 30 years, Fr. João Paulo serves in the Diocese of Caruaru, at the chapel located next to São Sebastião Hospital. He is also a professor at the Catholic University in Recife.
Fr. João Paulo’s passion for protecting stray animals began with a simple request for help.
“I have been involved in animal welfare for 15 years,” he shared. “It all began when people approached me to buy cookies to help a shelter in the city of Gravatá; I then learned about the animals' plight, assisted with projects, and sought families to adopt them. As other animals in need of help appeared, I strove to do my part.”
Fr. João Paulo and his fellow volunteers installed food and water bowls outside of the church, and ensured that the doors remained open for dogs in need of a safe place to rest. He also directly began helping shelters and promoting animals for adoption online. When those efforts aren’t enough, he introduces dogs at the end of Mass in hopes of finding them homes.
The Netflix docuseries Dogs beautifully captures Fr. João Paulo's ministry, following him as he cares for dogs in his parish and throughout the community. The film shows even the most timid animals gradually opening up in response to his gentle kindness.
One especially moving moment features Bianca, an older deaf dog whom Fr. João Paulo found "only skin and bones, dying" from starvation. After nursing her back to health in the parish house, he introduced the joyful, energetic Bianca to the congregation at the end of Mass and shared her need for a home. He concluded by praying, "Let us ask God to grant us awareness to care for stray animals."
Fr. João Paulo with Bianca, who was featured in the Netflix show Dogs [Photo courtesy of Father João Paulo de Araújo Gomes]
Photo courtesy of Father João Paulo de Araújo Gomes
Fr. João Paulo is an inspiration, and he points out how compassion towards animals serves humanity:
“Animals help us express the noblest aspects of the human spirit. Caring for animals has helped me overcome the temptations of selfishness and individualism, while also making room for charity, the greatest of all virtues,” he said. “As priests, we can sometimes become insular and forget that the tangible care of a life that depends entirely on us serves as a remedy. It is not we who help them, but rather they who help us.”
Over the years, Fr. João Paulo and his fellow volunteers have rescued countless dogs with nowhere else to turn, and each story has left its own mark.
“Every story has its own beauty. Perhaps one of the most moving is that of Romeu, who was rescued after being struck by a vehicle on the streets of Gravatá,” he said. Fr. João Paulo and the others involved prayed to Saint Francis for his intercession. He shared, “Within five days, Saint Francis had indeed watched over him, and he made a miraculous recovery. He went on to live a normal life, suffering no lasting effects from the accident.”
Fr. João Paulo’s kindness is a reminder that compassion and peace extend to all of God’s creation:
“Love is not exclusive, but inclusive. Loving animals does not mean loving people any less, because love multiplies. Everything is interconnected, and caring for the works of creation is a way of caring for humanity.”
Take Action: Watch the episode about Fr. João Paulo in Netflix’s Dogs docuseries. His episode is titled “The Protectors” (Season 2, Episode 4). Follow Fr. João Paulo on Instagram to stay updated on his inspirational work.