Austrian Diocese Publishes Ritual for Homosexual "Blessings"
The bishop continues: "If a priest does not wish to bless for personal reasons, he must not turn away same-sex couples. In this case, it is his duty to refer them to another priest, deacon, or authorized person."
The blessing can take place in a liturgical space or after a ceremony at the registry office, during the wedding meal, or at another location.
The brochure contains a sample ceremony including the laying on of hands:
Opening prayer:
Gracious God,
you bring people together in love
so that they may share their lives with one another.
Look kindly upon N. and N., who ask for your blessing,
and strengthen them and all your people in your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
our brother and Lord,
who lives and works with you in the communion of the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
The couple's prayer for blessing:
God of love and faithfulness,
today we stand before you,
(surrounded by family and friends).
We thank you that we have found each other.
We want to be there for each other,
in all situations of our lives.
We promise here with complete confidence,
to work for our mutual well-being,
day after day.
We ask: Give us the strength
to be faithful to each other and to support each other.
We trust in your closeness,
we hope for your assistance.
The person giving the blessing prays on behalf of the congregation and may lay hands on the couple:
God and Father,
we surround N. and N. with our prayers today.
You know their hearts and the path
they will walk together from now on.
Make their bond with each other strong and faithful.
Let their home be filled with understanding,
tolerance and care,
reconciliation and peace.
May the love they share carry them through their lives,
strengthen them in their commitment to the church and society.
Give us the strength to walk with them,
together in the footsteps of your Son
and strengthened by your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Intercessions (suggestion):
God, you love all people. We come to you with our prayers:
1. We pray for N. and N. Accompany them in their love for each other and for their fellow human beings.
2. Let them feel your loving presence in all the ups and downs of their relationship.
3. May they be well cared for by their family and friends.
4. Bless all those who celebrate with them and who are entrusted to them in their lives.
5. Welcome the deceased members of their families (today we remember N. in particular) into your kingdom of love and peace.
God, our good Father, we bring all these concerns and the requests in our hearts to you, who love us all. To you be praise and honor, now and forever. Amen.
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