What does it mean for me to walk through the Holy Doors, not just as a pilgrim, but as a Catholic LGBTI+ person? It is difficult to express the feelings and sensations that this brings to my mind and heart. But if there is a word, that is gratefulness to God.
For the first time, I can walk through those Holy Doors, not under any guise, not under any pretence, but authentically, fully and especially as an LGBTI+ person, who is Catholic, who is married to another man of deep faith, who is a teacher, an activist, and a fellow pilgrim in the journey of faith. This is historically the first time and marks a fruitful opening in the Church’s millennial existence. It also comes as the result of years of quiet work done by persons of deep faith that, moved by the spirit, had been working behind the scenes to bring about this opening, and this encounter of hearts and minds.
I am thankful to Tenda di Gionata, who together with other key people working in the grassroots, have been building networks of trust and understanding on a genuine pastoral dialogue and accompaniment of LGBTI+ persons.
I am grateful to Pope Francis, who through small gestures created a new conversation based on understanding, on genuine meeting of the hearts and who encouraged this walking forward ‘andiamo avanti’ when we met him in October.
I am cognizant that Pope Leo is still at the beginning of his papacy and is still charting his way through complex and difficult challenges in the Church. Still, it is also positive that during this week, the Pope chose to meet with Fr James Martin SJ, giving out a clear message that the encounter with LGBTI+ faithful is part of his petrine ministry and part of the thrust of the synodal path.
I also cherish the journey over the past ten years that we have made together as a Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, slowly building connections, friendships, fellowship and trust with so many in the grassroots, with their hands deep in their fellow sheep’s wool, feeling their hopes, their pains and understanding our love.
Let us walk together in hope, humbly as Christian siblings, as we are, in full celebration of our love and joy. May the joyous rainbows after the flood guide us in this celebration of diversity and faith.
God is with us. Amen.
cv