Bp. Paprocki of SPringfield said “People wearing a rainbow sash or who otherwise identify themselves as affiliated with the Rainbow Sash Movement will not be admitted into the cathedral and anyone who gets up to pray for same-sex marriage in the cathedral will be asked to leave.”
SPRINGFIELD-The head of Springfield’s Roman Catholic diocese moved Tuesday to scuttle a silent protest by same-sex marriage advocates planned at the capital city’s largest Catholic church, calling their plans to pray the rosary for marriage equality “blasphemous.”
Advocates for the Senate Bill 10 plan to attend a 5:15 p.m. Tuesday Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as part of what organizers describe as a “loud Catholic Presence for marriage equality” that will wrap up a daylong rally in support of the stalled legislation.
But Bishop Thomas Paprocki, head of the Springfield Catholic diocese, said anyone wearing rainbow sashes won’t be permitted inside the church.
The good Bishop concluded by saying. “Of course, our cathedral and parish churches are always open to everyone who wishes to repent their sins and ask for God’s forgiveness.”
October 23, 2013 at 4:48 pm
A wise and bold man. The sash is just a beginning. Does anyone think that these people will be content to wear sashes? They will end up staging "demonstrations" like they did in St. Patrick's. It has to be nipped in the bud.
October 23, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Wow! Clarity, bravery and charity all in one package. Let's pray for him!
October 23, 2013 at 10:34 pm
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October 23, 2013 at 10:41 pm
"The good Bishop concluded by saying. 'Of course, our cathedral and parish churches are always open to everyone who wishes to repent their sins and ask for God’s forgiveness…'”
Didn't Someone say to pick up one's cross and deny oneself if they wanted follow said Someone? Not Someone, Jesus himself said it. That's right. Straight from the mouth of G-d. To drive the point against "half measures," Jesus' beloved disciple admonishes Christians to not only believe in Christ, but to obey, Christ Commandments, else they'd be liars.
Serving man through Christ, doesn't make Christianity MAN-centered and so the Commandments are tossed out the window. These "advocates" can't have it both ways.
How sad it is that it will take many prelates like Bishop Paprocki to undo the harm a few prelates have done. Even though some have been dead a long time.
+May our Blessed Mother protect Bishop Paprocki in Her mantle. That the Spirit of the Lord continue to shine through him.
October 23, 2013 at 10:46 pm
P.S. Here's the correct "obey" link.
October 24, 2013 at 4:47 am
He really hates the gays, doesn't he?
October 24, 2013 at 7:24 pm
@Prat: This is a new low in stupid for you, and we had previously believed you had already bottomed out. I'm curious to know who reads you this blog, and why they're patient enough to type out your inane combox ululations.
Rainbow Sash are activists whose sole reason for existence is disrupting the rituals of a religion—conducted on private property—because they disagree with its teachings. The only hate here is their rabid aversion to anyone who dares differ in viewpoint from them.
Essentially they are engaged in an act of extortion.
October 25, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Mass (despite the liturgical abuses) is an act of worship. It is NOT, NOT, NOT, a political platform. And the homily is for the use of the priest, not any member of the laity.
October 25, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Sophie, you make me happy.
October 26, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Here in Brasil also there are people trying to use the Church's space to talk against … the Church. Are we fools? None is obliged to be catholic, isn't? So, be gay, gay guys. But the teachings of God won't change because of you.
October 26, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Here in Brasil also there are people trying to use the Church's space to talk against … the Church. Are we fools? None is obliged to be catholic, isn't? So, be gay, gay guys. But the teachings of God won't change because of you.