MANILA (UCAN): Speaking to the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and couples of the same sex, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] said in a statement on on December 27 that “the document speaks for itself and therefore does not require much explanation.”
The bishop of Kalookan, referred to the declaration, Fiducia Supplicans [Supplicating Trust], which was released on December 18 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith with the approval of Pope Francis.
“It is clear in its content and intent. Basically, it elaborates ‘On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings’,” Bishop David said.
The bishop pointed to paragraph 41 which says: “What has been said in this declaration regarding the blessings of same-sex couples is sufficient to guide the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers in this regard. Thus, beyond the guidance provided above, no further responses should be expected about possible ways to regulate details or practicalities regarding blessings of this type.”
Speaking for the CBCP, Bishop David referenced the introduction where Victor Manuel Cardinal Fernandez the prefect of the dicastery, pointed out that “this declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.”
It is clear in its content and intent. Basically, it elaborates ‘On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings’
Bishop David
What Cardinal Fernandez considers as unique value of this document is that “…it offers a specific and innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings, permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings…,” the bishop explained.
He highlighted five paragraphs in the document, namely, 13, 25, 31, 38, and 39:
“…Pope Francis urged us not to close pastoral charity, which should permeate all our decisions and attitudes, and to avoid being judges who only deny, reject, and exclude. Let us then respond to the Holy Father’s proposal by developing a broader understanding of blessings” [FS13]
“…when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For, those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection” [FS25].
“Within the horizon outlined here appears the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex, the form of which should not be fixed ritually by ecclesial authorities to avoid producing confusion with the blessing proper to the Sacrament of Marriage. In such cases, a blessing may be imparted… upon those who, recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help, do not claim a legitimation of their own status, but who beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed, and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit” [FS31].
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
For this reason, one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation. At the same time, one should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing
Fiducia Supplicans, 38
“For this reason, one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation. At the same time, one should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing” [FS38].
“…precisely to avoid any form of confusion or scandal, when the prayer of blessing is requested by a couple in an irregular situation… the blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them. Nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding. The same applies when the blessing is requested by a same-sex couple” [FS 39].
Bishop David said the advisory was issued for the information of the Roman Catholic faithful in the Philippines.
