Editor’s note: On Dec. 18, Pope Francis approved a document from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith regarding the nature and types of blessings. That document, “Fiducia Supplicans – On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings,” has prompted much media attention, discussion and confusion about the implications of blessings by ordained ministers and who may receive them. Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, explains what the document means and how Catholics should regard pastoral blessings:
Simply speaking, “Fiducia Supplicans” addresses the two types of blessings that an ordained minister can give: pastoral blessings and sacramental blessings. It is distinguishing between spontaneous pastoral blessings for people who seek grace and assistance from God and those that bless relationships that correspond to God’s design.
Of all the things and people to be present at the birth of Jesus Christ, there were shepherds! I would probably have been more surprised if there were not shepherds. After all, David was a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. David taught us to pray, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps 23:1). And Christ fulfills David.