- A Day After The Pope’s Announcement On Same-Sex Blessings
In a groundbreaking ceremony that echoed through the hallowed halls of the Catholic Church, Jesuit priest Rev. Fr. James Martin ushered in a new era on Tuesday morning as he bestowed a blessing upon Damian Steidl Jack, 44, and his husband, Jason Steidl Jack, 38, in their Manhattan residence.
This event unfolded just a day
after Pope Francis declared that Catholic priests may now bless same-sex couples.
The living room on Manhattan’s
West Side served as the intimate backdrop for the blessing ceremony. Dressed in
casual attire and running slightly behind schedule due to subway delays,
Damian, a floral designer, extended a compliment to Father Martin on the
pine-scented Christmas tree that adorned their living space.
In adherence to the Vatican’s
directive to avoid any semblance of a wedding, Father Martin eschewed
traditional robes and scripted text. Instead, he drew from the Old Testament
and spoke words of profound significance to the couple: “May the Lord bless and
keep you,” he began, gently touching the shoulders of the two men. Heads bowed
and hands held, the couple listened as Father Martin continued with heartfelt
blessings from scripture, culminating in the sign of the cross and a
resounding, "Amen." Emotion swept across their faces as the three men
embraced.
Father Martin, recognized as one of the foremost advocates for L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics in America, has engaged in frequent discussions with Pope Francis to foster inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church. His participation in a global gathering on the church’s future at the pope’s invitation underscored the gravity of his influence.
The Vatican’s decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, while celebrated as a landmark victory by advocates for gay Catholics, has stirred mixed reactions among American Catholics. Although this historic move does not alter the church’s doctrine on marriage, emphasizing that it remains between a man and a woman, it represents a profound step towards greater openness and pastoral care for the L.G.B.T.Q. community.
Father Martin, who had patiently awaited the opportunity to publicly extend such a prayer, expressed his sentiments, saying, “It was really nice to be able to do that publicly.”
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