Archdiocese of Los Angeles notes ‘disappointment and pain’ over Dodgers honoring sisters of perpetual indulgence at Pride event – ​​Daily News

LOS ANGELES — As the Dodgers prepare to host an LGBTQ+ Pride Night honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a self-proclaimed “queer and trans nun” group on Friday, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez said Tuesday: It was announced that the following mass would be dedicated. The day is described as “healing the damage caused by the Dodgers’ decision to honor a group that deliberately denigrates and blasphemes the Christian faith.”

“On Friday, we will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Gomez said in a statement. “…we pray for our city and country for an end to prejudice and a renewed respect for the religious beliefs of all Angelenos and all Americans in a special way. ”

The statement continued, “The Archdiocese, in its message to its followers, expressed its ‘disappointment, despondency and disappointment’ caused by the group’s actions contrary to the Christian faith and the Dodgers’ decision to honor the group while acknowledging their concerns. “Pain,” he said. of the community. “

In a statement to the City News Service, the Dodgers said they had “no comment” on the Archdiocese’s statement.

Criticism of the Archdiocese It takes place three days before the Dodgers host their LGBTQ+ pride night. The event will also recognize the LA chapter of the Sisters organization with the Community Hero Award for the group’s efforts to advance human rights, diversity and “spiritual enlightenment.”

The group’s invitation first sparked controversy early last month after vocal opposition from various Catholic groups and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida).

Bowing to that pressure, the Dodgers withdrew the invitation on May 5, but changed course on May 22 after criticism from LGBTQ+ groups and elected officials. On that day, the team publicly apologized to the Sisters organization, once again invited the group to participate in the Pride Night event.

The sisters have previously released a statement expressing “deep resentment” over not being invited, calling the decision a bow to “hateful and misleading information from people outside the community.” .

The group claimed to be a nonprofit that “raises thousands of dollars each year to distribute to organizations that help marginalized communities.” The Sisters website describes the organization as “a cutting-edge cult of gay and transgender nuns.”

In a statement following the apology, the Dodgers said members of the group “agreed to express our community’s gratitude for the life-saving efforts they have carried out tirelessly over the decades.” said.

“After thoughtful feedback from a diverse community, candid conversations within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and generous discussion with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that the LGBTQ+ member Sisters We offer our deepest apologies to Of Perpetual Indulgence,” the team said in a statement.

“…in the coming weeks, we will continue to work with our LGBTQ+ partners to educate ourselves, find ways to strengthen our bonds, and extend our platform to support all the fans who make up the diversity of the Dodgers family. We will make use of it.”

About a week later, the Dodgers announced that the team would host Christian Faith and Family Day on July 30 at Dodger Stadium.

“On Christian Faith and Family Day July 30th, gather at Dodger Stadium. Stay and celebrate after the game and join us for a day of worship. tweeted at the time.

The event was first announced earlier in the day Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw“We are thrilled to announce the return of Christian Face and Family Day at Dodger Stadium on July 30. More details will follow, but we appreciate the opportunity to talk about Jesus.” We are determined to make it even bigger and better than before the coronavirus.”

The last time this Christian event was hosted by the Dodgers was in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gomez said he would hold a mass at 12:10 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica. The Archdiocese will also honor the group “Sisters” who “called on all Catholics and people of good will to follow the Dodgers and pray together.” “

“The Archdiocese of Los Angeles speaks for the gospel of Jesus Christ, which means it stands against bigotry, hatred and blasphemy of all kinds,” said the archdiocese’s statement Tuesday. “The Archdiocese calls on Catholics to unite in prayer. Our wounds can only be healed by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

The archdiocese’s comments, which were released the day after the US Bishops’ Conference released its statement, read in part: A baseball team surprisingly chose to commemorate this day.” The vulgarity and vulgarity with which it ridicules our Lord, His Mother, and consecrated women cannot be overemphasized. This is not only unpleasant and painful for Christians around the world. That’s blasphemy. “

The bishops’ statement also urged Catholics across the country to “pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart and perform acts of penance, acts dedicated to the Lord for the purpose of repairing the spiritual damage done to the survivors.” called on you to join Friday’s prayer in the Archdiocese of LA. sin. “

The invitation was signed by Reverend Timothy P. Brolio of the United States Military Archdiocese, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the United States, and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, and was joined by Gomez.