A parish priest’s approach to blessings for same-sex couples

On December 18, the Vatican’s doctrinal office released “Fiducia
Supplicans,” a declaration that allowed priests to give simple or
pastoral blessings to couples in irregular situations, including
those in same-sex relationships. This week on “Jesuitical,” Father
Alex Santora, pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph parish in
Hoboken, N.J., joins Zac and Ashley to explain how “Fiducia
Supplicans” is being received in his parish. They discuss: - Father
Santora’s reaction to “Fiducia Supplicans” and how he plans to
discuss the declaration and enflesh it in his parish - Taking a
pastoral approach to complicated situations and accompanying people
even when you have to tell them “no” - The importance of listening
in pastoral ministry In an infernal Signs of the Times segment, Zac
and Ashley cover Pope Francis’ recent comments that he hopes hell
is empty, the subsequent criticisms from some Catholics, and why an
empty hell might not be such a crazy idea, even if it’s not a dogma
of faith. They also dive into a recent poll from Gallup on Pope
Francis’ approval ratings in the U.S. (it is an election year,
after all) and explore how our country’s ideological divides might
impact our view of the pontiff. After the interview, Ashley and Zac
welcome another one of Jesuitical’s assistant producers, Delaney
Coyne, to share about her experience as an O’Hare Fellow at
America. She talks about how her love for social justice led her to
apply to the fellowship, the work she does at America and finding
God in disagreement. If you or someone you know might be interested
in the O’Hare Fellowship the final deadline to apply is February 1,
2024. Apply here! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope
you’ll join us. Please email us if you plan to attend any of the
events below at, jesuitical@americamedia.org Jan 22: Vintage
Brewing Company (Madison West) from 7-9 pm. Meet and greet with Zac
and Ashley, over drinks! Location: 674 South Whitney Way, Madison,
WI 53711 Jan. 23: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mass at 5:30 pm followed by a live interview with Bishop Donald
Hying on “Why we love the church” from 6:30-8:30pm. Jan. 25: Loyola
University Chicago (Ignatius House) in Chicago, IL. Live discussion
with Patrick Gilger, S.J. on, “What the hell should I do with my
life?: God, discernment and vocation outside the college bubble”
from 7-9 p.m. Student Mass to follow at 9pm (Note: This event has
limited capacity. Please RSVP to jesuitical@americamedia.org) Feb.
28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview
with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided
Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP
here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles,
California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol
Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: - The Editors:
Vatican document on same-sex blessings does not confuse church
teaching—it deepens it - Pope Francis says he hopes hell is ‘empty’
- 58% of Americans, 77% of U.S. Catholics View Pope Favorably
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