In this latest documentary “Francesco”, Pope Francis is quoted as saying “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a (covivencia civil) law; that way they are legally covered.”
This statement, though, did not and cannot change any Church teaching on homosexuality or marriage. Instead, this appears to be one more instance where Pope Francis is trying to reach out to homosexuals, letting them know that their sexual status does not disqualify them from God’s love. There is a huge difference, however, between the sexual status of an individual, and the social status of an institution, such as marriage and the family.
This news just came out last week, and it surely took the world by surprise, Catholic or otherwise, particularly on the manner the term convivencia civil is translated as “civil union”, “co-existence”, “cohabitation”, among others.
My prayer is that there will be more clarity than confusion in the hearts of the faithful about this matter. It would be helpful for the Vatican and higher Church authorities to illuminate the faithful as to what the Pope meant. The content of his remarks is not problematic, but the lack of context is.
Hence from our end as Catholics, we must continue respecting the right of every individual and family to a home to call their own, but must always adhere to the inherent truth that union sacramentalized in Holy Matrimony is exclusive between a man and a woman (CCC cf 1660), and the the unit formed in such a holy union is what we can call a family patterned after that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
“If a man and a woman marry in order to be companions on the journey from earth to heaven, then their union will bring great joy to themselves and to others.”
― John Chrysostom
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With this quotation from one of my favorite saint, John Chrysostom, I invite you once again to the “Saints and Angels” 5PM Mass this Saturday to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve! Consider dressing up as a saint or an angel. Kids will receive a loot bag filled with sweet treats, holy card and rosary. An animated movie on the life of Mother Teresa follows.
Peace and blessings,
Fr. Erick