Addressing the New Pastoral Blessings
A number of people have asked me questions regarding the new Declaration
“Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith for the blessing of Same-Sex Couples and individuals involved in irregular marriage. To be honest, I am also quite confused as to what it is all about. I would like to share with you the statements from our Bishop, John Dolan, and the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Statement from Bishop John Dolan
Bishop John Dolan wishes to restate the document’s admonition that the Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed. Ordained ministers can make an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and grace in our lives.
Response From USCCB
In response to the Declaration
“Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith today, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement from its spokesperson, Chieko Noguchi, executive director of public affairs.
“The
Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.”
The USCCB has also published this news article:
Below is the link from the Vatican News: