SHILLONG:
The Archdiocese of Shillong, under the leadership of Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, DD, on December 22, has officially adopted the declaration “Fiducia Supplicans,” issued by The Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith and approved by Pope Francis on December 18, 2023.
The declaration permits Catholic Priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, emphasising the pastoral significance of the gesture. However, it explicitly excludes any form of ritual resembling the Church’s official marriage rite.
Clarifying the nature of the declaration, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh stated, “This is a spontaneous prayer of a priest with informal words, and it should not be misconstrued as an official liturgical and ritual blessing of the Church during marriage.”
Crucially, the declaration affirms that the blessing does not alter the Catholic Doctrine of Marriage, and it should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the union. The Archdiocese emphasises the need to uphold the sanctity of Marriage within the Church.
In a letter addressed to the priests, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh conveyed his Christmas wishes and extended greetings for a Prosperous New Year. He urged the community to celebrate the festive season while keeping in mind the sanctity of Marriage in the Church.