MA Catholics Bless Gay Unions, Defy Vatican Decree

BOSTON — Catholics across Massachusetts and the United States gathered for an online service Tuesday evening to kick off Pride Month by sharing blessings for LGBTQ+ people and same-sex couples.

Catholic Pride Blessing, an event sponsored by the inclusive Catholic organization DignityUSA and 19 other activist organizations including NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and the National LGBTQ Task Force, served as a way for Catholics to speak out against the Vatican's March decree to bar gay unions with the justification that God "does not and cannot bless sin."

The decree, which was issued as a responsum, or reply, to the question of whether same-sex relationships could be blessed by Catholic priests, was met with conflicting opinions, with some Catholics arguing that the decision should have been expected and others, including many vocal participants of Catholic Pride Blessing, expressing disapproval and disappointment.

“We know that there are many, many Catholics who love, support, and, yes, bless their LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and neighbors,” said Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA and longtime member of Dignity Boston. “We wanted to create a way for them to make their love visible."

Ahead of Catholic Pride Blessing, supporters were invited to sign a statement of blessing or submit their own blessings for LGBTQ+ people and several prominent Catholics, including Miguel H. Diaz, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See; Mary McAleese, past President of Ireland; and Bishop John Stowe of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, submitted video blessings.

"The response has been phenomenal," said Duddy-Burke. "We’ve received blessings from parents, siblings, and friends of LGBTQ+ people, priests and sisters, and folks who simply identify as ‘a Catholic who cares.’ Many of these people felt disheartened and disappointed by the Vatican statement and appreciated the chance to send a different message.”

Hundreds of participants, including several members of Dignity Boston, submitted blessings for Tuesday night's event, offering support for individuals and couples who have been denied the blessings they sought from the Catholic Church.

"We can't think of a better way to start off Pride Month," said Christopher Pett, president of Dignity USA.

"Blessed are you who challenge stereotypes and caricatures, you bring light to the world," said Ruby Almeida in an opening blessing.

The following is a list of several blessings offered by Catholics across the country:

• "Be free to be who God has created you to be," -Joy I.
• "May the Holy Spirit illuminate us all that we may find the Truth and Love in diversity. -Julian F.
• "May you find a blessing that is not in disguise."-Patrick C.
• "We bless you who persist in loving and serving others in the face of contempt, denigration, and hatred." -Diane W.
• "You are perfect just as you are - may God bless you!" -Nicky B.

"Thank you so much for being here and thank you for being a blessing to so many," said Pett in closing.

Dignity Boston, a local branch of DignityUSA, offers support and services for LGBTQ+ Catholics and allies. More information can be found here.