By Nicolás de Cárdenas
Madrid, Spain, Feb 5, 2025 / 06:00 am
The Diocese of Huelva in Spain has made a significant decision regarding a planned course for the blessing of same-sex couples or couples in irregular situations. The diocese has prohibited and disavowed this course, which was set to take place at one of its parishes. Surprisingly, the diocese only became aware of the course through media reports.
In a brief statement, the diocese clarified that the planned course does not align with the teachings of Pope Francis or the pastoral practices of the Church. The statement emphasized that the Diocese of Huelva offers pastoral accompaniment for all individuals in accordance with the teachings of the Church, focusing on listening, formation, and growth in faith.
Following the diocese’s decision, St. Paul Parish, where the course was supposed to be held, has canceled the event. The parish’s website now displays a message explaining the cancellation due to reasons beyond their control.
The message on the parish’s website is accompanied by a poignant illustration of a lamb with the rainbow colors of the LGBT flag, standing next to a shepherd, with the message: “I was not lost, they told me I was not welcome.”
A local newspaper, Huelva24, shared a promotional poster for the course that misquoted a Vatican declaration from December 2023 known as Fiducia Supplicans. The poster inaccurately stated that the blessing of couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples is possible to help human relationships mature and grow in fidelity to the Gospel message.
