Declaration "Fiducia Supplicans" on the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

An objective response to the Declaration “Fiducia Supplicans” on the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

From the “Catholic Man in the Pews”

1-13-2024

As with the Holy Father’s above-mentioned response to the Dubia of two Cardinals, this Declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion. The value of this document, however, is that it offers a specific and innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings, permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective. Such theological reflection, based on the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, implies a real development from what has been said about blessings in the Magisterium and the official texts of the Church. This explains why this text has taken on the typology of a “Declaration.”

The Catholic Faith should always be clear and not create any confusion as it beckons the faithful to continue to learn, live, and grow in the Faith...

What is the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings? What is this specific and innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings?

Many texts of the Church refer to what blessings are and have been; the Pope’s pastoral vision sees a new development in this doctrine, this practice of blessings, and “declares” a further direction for the practice of the Faith going forward...Please see attachment.