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But I have a great deal in common with the guys who took the statue and threw it into the Tiber River.
I have a suspicion that they and I would probably get along just famously.IcyChain said:
Pope Francis’ issue is that he wants to speak pastorally instead of doctrinally. The issue here is that if your audience doesn’t know that is the case or doesn’t know the difference it creates confusion.
That's fair. I really do not find him confusing. Every time one of these stories comes out I think to myself "that sounds suspicious" and then go and read what the pope actually said or wrote, and don't see anything about it that gives me pause. I actually think Francis is quite orthodox, even though his communication style is different.
It's emanating from Pope Francis, what do you expect?
Ah, felt and feelings. I was there for those days.It all adds up to the casual observer exactly like those so-called "religious education" classes Catholic kids got in the 1970s: "All you need to know is that God is your special buddy, and you should try to be a good person, okay? Don't worry about the rest of that stuff. Let's all make a felt banner!"
I suspect he followed all the new rules perfectly. Here we go.Making History on a Tuesday Morning, With the Church’s Blessing (Published 2023)
A day after the pope’s announcement that Catholic priests may bless same-sex couples, one New York couple receives theirs.www.nytimes.com
On Tuesday morning, Damian Steidl Jack, 44, and his husband, Jason Steidl Jack, 38, stood before Father Martin in a living room on Manhattan’s West Side. The couple, running a bit late because of subway delays, dressed casually. Damian, a floral designer, complimented Father Martin on the pine smell of the Christmas tree.
In keeping with the Vatican’s admonition that such a blessing should not be performed with “any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding,” Father Martin wore no robes, and read from no text. There is no blessing for same-sex couples in the thick book of blessings published by the U.S. Conference of Bishops. Instead he selected a favorite of his own from the Old Testament.
“May the Lord bless and keep you,” Father Martin began, touching the two men’s shoulders. They bowed their heads slightly, and held hands.
“May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his countenance to you and give you joy and peace.
“And may almighty God bless you,” he said, making the sign of the cross, “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
And then, with emotion evident on their faces, the three men hugged….
It's been approved of and happening for a few months in Belgium and in Germany. James Martin, a stickler for following the rules, was just waiting for the Vatican to provide the rules he could stay within. Somebody show me if you can how James Martin violated any single part of the new Vatican rules.
