More than a month has passed since Pope Francis authorized the publication of Fiducia Supplicans, the Vatican document that expands the concept of blessings, including the possibility of non-liturgical blessings for individuals in “irregular” situations, such as same-sex couples. But how have the world’s bishops responded? What has been the conversation since?
2 comments:
From the OSV article: Bishop Donald J. Hying, of Madison, Wisconsin, said:
"Transcending the vexed question of whether to offer a blessing to such a person/couple or not is the more important need to engage such persons in conversation, prayer, support and accompaniment, towards an understanding and living of the Church’s beautiful and necessary teachings on sexuality and marriage."
"Offering someone a blessing or not does not truly get to the heart of the matter at hand."
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I understand Bishop Hying's point. Nevertheless, the following from Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI highlights the holy, powerful, spiritual effect of a blessing:
"In many countries it has become customary for persons who are not able to receive communion (for example, the members of other confessions) to approach the altar with their hands folded over their chests, making it clear that they are not receiving the sacrament but are asking for a blessing, which is given to them as a sign of the love of Christ and of the Church."
"This form could certainly be chosen also by persons who are living in a second marriage and therefore are not admitted to the Lord’s table."
"The fact that this would make possible an intense spiritual communion with the Lord, with his whole Body, with the Church, could be a spiritual experience that would strengthen and help them."
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Again, in regard to a blessing:
As Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI had noted, a blessing "is given to them as a sign of the love of Christ and of the Church...this would make possible an intense spiritual communion with the Lord, with his whole Body, with the Church, could be a spiritual experience that would strengthen and help them."
Speaking spiritually, that is very powerful and uplifting.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
In keeping with the OSV article in question: The following report, in regard to Fiducia Supplicans, comes from Spain:
-- Spain's bishops defend declaration of blessing and Pope Francis
MADRID - Now the Spanish bishops have also commented on the pontiff and "Fiducia supplicans". The Spanish bishops are defending Pope Francis and the Vatican's letter "Fiducia supplicans".
"As reported by the Spanish internet portal "Religion Digital" (Thursday), the Secretary General of the Spanish Bishops' Conference, César García Magán, read out a unanimously approved letter at the meeting of the Permanent Council."
"Among other things, the bishops emphasize their "deep ecclesial attachment and loyalty to the Holy Father and to his teaching office as pastor of the universal Church".
"The Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference also explained that the note was intended to emphasize the unanimity of the bishops in expressing their support for the Pope and the declaration of blessing "both explicitly and implicitly".
"It goes on to say that the bishops thanked the Pope for his teaching, which ensures "that the Gospel is still good news for all women and men today".
Pax.
Mark Thomas
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