Catholics attending the 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on Sunday appeared to approve of Pope Francis’ message of forgiveness for women seeking absolution for the sin of abortion.
Not one of 11 people who commented on the pope’s move said they disagreed.
“As Christians we shouldn’t shoot our wounded women and women who have had abortions are wounded. I think this is a fabulous move,” said Tom Ranello of Scarborough.
The diverse congregation, whose cars filled the cathedral’s surrounding parking lots, was reacting to a letter written by Pope Francis and published by the Holy See Tuesday allowing all rank-and-file priests to grant absolution to women who seek forgiveness for abortions during the Holy Year of Mercy, which runs from Dec. 8 to Nov. 20, 2016. Under church law, people who participate willingly in an abortion, including the abortion provider and the pregnant woman, are automatically excommunicated.
Previously the Roman Catholic Church, which views abortion as a grave sin, left the issue of forgiveness for abortions in the hands of a bishop, who could either hear the woman’s confession or direct her to a priest. The pope has allowed women to go straight to a priest, instead of first approaching a bishop. Many bishops in the United States already allowed priests to hear the confession of a woman seeking absolution for an abortion.
Some of those attending Mass at the cathedral said they were surprised to find out that priests were not already allowed to offer forgiveness for abortions until the pope issued his letter.
“Everything is forgivable. That is what I was taught, so I didn’t understand why it was a story,” said Alan Steines of Madison, Connecticut, who is vacationing in Maine.
Julie O’Donnell, a junior at Bowdoin College, said she was gladdened by the pope’s message of mercy.
“I like the way he has made this a year of mercy. It highlights the fact the church is all about mercy,” said O’Donnell.
Paz Sanders of South Portland agreed.
“Forgiveness is the most important thing, because we are just human. Everyone commits sin,” said Sanders.
Olivia Loving of West Palm Beach, Florida, another vacationer, said she wishes everyone thought like the pope.
“It is a good step in a positive direction,” she said.
Reene Patterson of Portland called the pope’s message wonderful.
“You have to remember God is all forgiving. Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air,” said Patterson.
Christopher Garrepy of Cumberland, a student at the University of Southern Maine who was at the cathedral to attend the noon Latin Mass, said he agrees with the pope.
“Abortion is against church teaching but if these people want to come back, there is always reconciliation through the church,” said Garrepy.
Tom and Laura Krause of Yarmouth, and their daughter, Sarah, 14, said the Roman Catholic Church is all about forgiving. They said they try to keep current on the pope’s messages and other church events.
“We try to discuss things and if there is an extreme issue, we will come here to get some answers,” said Laura Krause.
The pope will make his first trip to the United States, with visits to Washington, Philadelphia and New York in late September.
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