Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

[Catholic Caucus] Cardinal says debate about blessings is normal part of Church life
The Catholic Standard ^ | January 15, 2024 | Cindy Wooden

Posted on 01/21/2024 1:51:07 PM PST by ebb tide

[Catholic Caucus] Cardinal says debate about blessings is normal part of Church life

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the debate surrounding the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration on the possibility of blessing gay couples shows that deeper reflection is still needed.

At the same time, he said, the reaction is a normal and healthy part of the Catholic Church learning how to take Gospel values and apply them to new situations.

Speaking to reporters who were attending his speech on the Holy See and peacemaking Jan. 12 at Rome’s Academy of the Lincei, the cardinal was asked if the turmoil surrounding the document on blessings was good or bad.

“It is always good,” the cardinal replied, according to Vatican News. “The important thing is that we always proceed according to what is called ‘progress in continuity.’”

“In the Church there has always been change,” he said. “The Church of today is not the Church of 2,000 years ago. The Church is open to the signs of the times; it is attentive to needs that arise, but it also must be faithful to the Gospel, it must be faithful to tradition, faithful to its heritage.”

“But if this upheaval helps us walk according to the Gospel in responding, then it is welcome,” he said.

Cardinal Parolin also was asked about the statement of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, or SECAM, released Jan. 11 that said that while the bishops of Africa affirm their fidelity to the pope, they “generally prefer” not to offer blessings to same-sex couples.

The statement, signed by Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, president of SECAM, also said the message was issued “with the agreement” of Pope Francis and Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“This document has provoked very strong reactions from some episcopates,” Cardinal Parolin said. “It means that a very, very delicate, very sensitive point has been touched upon that will need serious follow up.”

The document in question, “Fiducia Supplicans” (“Supplicating Trust”) – subtitled “On the pastoral meaning of blessings” – stated that Catholic priests could bless a same-sex or other unmarried couple. However, it cannot be a formal liturgical blessing, nor give the impression that the Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage.

The document, and a subsequent clarification by Cardinal Fernández, insisted that the declaration did not change Catholic doctrine on marriage and did not signal approval for same-sex unions.

But the request for a blessing can express and nurture “openness to the transcendence, mercy and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered,” the doctrinal dicastery said in the declaration published Dec. 18.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; Current Events; Prayer
KEYWORDS: apostates; frankenchurch; homos; parolin; tucho
At the same time, he said, the reaction is a normal and healthy part of the Catholic Church learning how to take Gospel values and apply them to new situations.

Since when have the mortal sins of sodomy and adultery become "new situations"?

1 posted on 01/21/2024 1:51:07 PM PST by ebb tide
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Al Hitan; Fedora; irishjuggler; Jaded; kalee; markomalley; miele man; Mrs. Don-o; ...

Ping


2 posted on 01/21/2024 1:51:47 PM PST by ebb tide
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ebb tide

Faggots have been present in society for thousands of years, albeit in closets where they should be. The hierarchy is lying when they pretend it’s a cultural phenomenon.


3 posted on 01/21/2024 2:09:25 PM PST by Prince of Space (Trump 2024!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ebb tide

Debate about perverse faggotry is what they do. It’s their purpose


4 posted on 01/21/2024 2:27:55 PM PST by NWFree (Sigma male 🤪)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ebb tide

Sin is good because the queer pope says so


5 posted on 01/21/2024 2:29:01 PM PST by NWFree (Sigma male 🤪)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ebb tide

Opening the door to Satans corruption is perfectly normal!


6 posted on 01/21/2024 3:00:20 PM PST by Skywise
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ebb tide

How about reading Leviticus, then having that discussion. What part of “abomination” is debatable?


7 posted on 01/21/2024 8:01:09 PM PST by FlyingEagle
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson