The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith gave this Thursday, January 4, an example of a “simple prayer” that would be granted to couples in an irregular situation. A prayer which actually lasts between 10 and 15 seconds, as highlighted in the accompanying press release.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published on December 18 “ Fiducia supplicans ”, a document by which the Vatican opens the possibility of blessing same-sex couples as part of a “pastoral gesture” and outside of any liturgy. . “In the short prayer which may precede this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask for peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue and mutual aid, but also the light and strength of God to be able to fully accomplish his will,” the document specifies.
In a text published on January 4, 2024 aimed at “helping to clarify the reception” of Fiducia supplicans , the dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith details the form that the blessing would take. “This form of non-ritualized blessing, by the simplicity and brevity of its form, does not claim to justify something that is not morally acceptable. This is obviously not a marriage, but neither is it an “approval” or ratification of anything. This is simply one pastor’s response to two people asking for God’s help. In this case, the pastor does not set conditions and does not want to know the intimate lives of these people,” the document specifies.
To help the bishops, the Dicastery gives an example of a “simple prayer” which would be granted to a couple in an irregular situation who requests a blessing. A prayer of “ten or fifteen seconds”, making it possible to offer a “channel” towards a life more faithful to the Gospel, affirms Cardinal Fernández, prefect of the dicastery for the Doctrine of the faith. Here is the text:
“Lord, look at your children, grant them health, work, peace and mutual help.Deliver them from everything that contradicts your Gospel and give them to live according to your will.Amen.»
The priest is then invited to make a sign of the cross on each of the two people.
