On December 21, 2023, Bishop Folda issued the following statement on Fiducia Supplicans [FS] (the recent document from the Vatican on blessings), which he asked to be read at Sunday Masses on December 23 and 24, 2023.

You have doubtlessly heard of a recent declaration from the Holy See related to blessings.  This document has been widely misinterpreted, particularly in the media.  I wish to reiterate the perennial teaching of the Church, and the teaching of the declaration itself: Marriage is the “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children” and “it is only in this context that sexual relations find their natural, proper, and fully human meaning. The Church's doctrine on this point remains firm” (FS, 4). Therefore, in no way does the Church approve any sexual relationship outside of a valid marriage notwithstanding what you might have heard.

While individuals, despite our sinful circumstances, are capable of receiving blessings, it is not possible to bless sin itself.  As such we may bless those struggling to overcome habitual sin.  In such cases, it is clear that the blessing is not of the sinful behavior or relationship, but rather of the person seeking to be transformed by Christ. The Church and her pastors must be careful not to give any appearance of approving or promoting anything contrary to the Gospel.

Blessings strengthen us in our struggle against sin, our repentance, and our resolve to follow God's will. In that light, I take this opportunity to offer you all my episcopal blessing.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

† 

Most Rev. John Folda
Bishop of Fargo

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The document Fiducia Supplicans (“On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings”) is available from and may be read on the Vatican website.

Fiducia Supplicans