Message to Clergy

Earlier this week, I sent a message to our clergy, priests and deacons, about the prudent application of the recent Declaration Fiducia supplicans from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. (The picture is of Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery). Here is what I wrote.
 
Dear Fathers and Brothers, I have been asked to give some guidance about the pastoral application to the Diocese of Portsmouth of the recent Declaration Fiducia supplicans from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Dicastery has subsequently issued clarifications as many brother bishops, clergy and laity from across the world have found the Declaration confusing. No doubt further clarifications will be needed to enable its effective reception. In the meantime, I encourage you as good pastors to continue guiding and caring for every person, and not least for those in ‘irregular unions.’ The Church, ever faithful to the teaching of the Lord and the Apostles, is unable to bless irregular unions, but it goes without saying that it is always possible to pray with individuals, couples and groups who sincerely ask for the Lord’s help and loving grace. Given the current media attention, however, and to avoid the possibility of confusion and scandal, please take particular care to ensure that your prayers and (informal) blessings never give the impression that the Church is validating or regularising an irregular union. With my prayers for you and my best wishes.
 
Image credit: Riccardo De Luca / AP