Ciccio, is a 12-year-old German Shepherd from San Donaci, Italy, who frequents church services daily. Many would say he is a devoted Catholic, but the truth is he visits St. Mary of Assumption looking for his owner, MarÃa Margherita Lochi.
Lochi rescued the dog in 2011 and since making him part of her family, the two of them attended mass services together. However, on 2013, the then 57-year-old Lochi passed away and Ciccio has yet to understand his loving owner is not coming back.
The loyal dog now lives with his owner’s surviving family members, but every day, when he hears the church bells ring, Ciccio runs to the church, lays by the altar and hopes to meet Lochi again.
Father Donato Panna says the dog has always been well mannered at church. The pet sits in silence and never interrupts the services. This is why Panna has never felt the need to kick him out.
Cicio might not see Lochi in this life time, but at least he honors her every day by going to church like they used to before.
