LOOK: Stray pup joins Franciscan missionaries

Seems like faith transcends everyone, regardless of shape and size—and even species.

The Franciscan monastery of Cochamba in Bolivia has welcomed a new addition to their congregation, in the form of an adorable dog named Carmelo.

The pooch, which has been bestowed upon the title of “Friar Bigotón” (Friar Mustache in English), has become the latest darling of the internet.

As seen on Franciscan Kasper Mariusz Kaproń’s Facebook profile, the monastery’s miniature monk has been embraced with open arms, and was even given a puppy-sized habit to wear around the premises.

“His life is all about playing and running,” Friar Jorge Fernandez told animal welfare site The Dodo. “Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God.”

Screen grab from Facebook/Proyecto Narices Frias

Prior to being adopted, Carmelo was a stray dog in the streets of Bolivia, and his transfer to the monastery home was made possible by local animal rescue group, Proyecto Narices Frías (Cold Nose Project).

Meanwhile, the Franciscan friars—who live and follow the values of the Catholic patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi—hope more people will open their homes for stray and abandoned animals like Carmelo.

“If only all the churches of our country adopt a dog and care for him like Friar Bigotón,” the group captioned one of their Facebook posts. “We are sure that the parishioners would follow his example.” JB