A few years ago in the Portuguese town of Sobrado, a lady had a dog named Preta.
Every Sunday morning without fail Preta would leave her owner’s home at 5:00 a.m. and walk 8 miles to a Roman Catholic church in a nearby town in time for the 7:30 am Sunday mass.
Upon arriving, Preta would saunter right up to the sanctuary and lie down by the side of the altar. When the congregation stood for parts of the mass, so did Preta. When they sat down, she’d stretch out on the stone floor again. This went on for years. After the final blessing, Preta headed home, another 8 mile walk, unless somebody gave her a lift.
Every Sunday the church was filled to capacity. Why? Because everybody wanted to see Preta, the prayerful pooch.
We could all ask ourselves why we do or don’t go to church on Sunday morning. Are we looking to deepen our relationship with God or do we need a prayerful dog like Preta to lead us to church on a Sunday morning?
My Commentary:
This little story makes us smile at first — but it does more than that. It unsettles us.
Preta did not understand theology, doctrine, or liturgy. She did not weigh excuses or negotiate priorities. Week after week, in the dark and the cold, she simply went.
Her small, steady faithfulness carried her eight miles to the altar and eight miles back home. No one had to remind her. No one had to persuade her. She showed up.
And the irony is striking: the church filled up not because of a sermon, a choir, or a program — but because of a dog whose devotion put many human hearts to shame.
Preta did not come to be entertained. She came to belong. She came to rest near the altar, close to the mystery, close to where heaven touches earth.
Her presence asks us an uncomfortable question. What draws us to worship — or keeps us away? Convenience? Habit? Inspiration? Or something deeper?
Faith, at its core, is not about novelty or spectacle. It is about fidelity. It is about returning, again and again, to the place where God meets us — even when the walk is long.
Preta reminds us that sometimes the most powerful witness is quiet perseverance. And sometimes, God uses the simplest creatures to call us back to what truly matters.
GOD GAVE ME NOTHING I WANTED. GOD GAVE ME EVERYTHING I NEEDED!!
Please share my Message with someone who needs to deepen their faith.
