August 7, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the Catholic archbishop of Paris and the leader of the Conference of French Bishops, has issued a prayer against the legalization of homosexual “marriage” and euthanasia that he is asking all parishes to pray on August 15, feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The prayer, which revives an ancient tradition that fell into disuse after World War II, petitions God on behalf of “children and youth, that all of us may help each one of them to find his own way to progress towards the good, that they cease to be the objects of the desires and the conflicts of adults, by benefiting completely from the love of a father and a mother.”
In a preamble written for the prayer, Vingt-Trois explains that it is a response to French president Francois Hollande’s intention to legislate homosexual “marriage” and adoption in the first half of 2013.
“Taking into account the situation and the probable legislative initiatives of the government regarding the family, it seems to me opportune to give a national sign on the occasion of the 15th of August that brings together Catholics throughout the country,” wrote the cardinal. He added that “one can hope that certain members of the faithful will be sensitized, including among parliamentarians.”
Regarding the prospect of homosexual “marriage” and adoption of children by those living the “gay” lifestyle, Conference spokesman Msgr. Bernard Podvin has told the French press that “the situation requires this seriousness (…), society is going very badly – it suffices to see all of the social plans [of the French government]—it will be enormously divisive, and on the ethical plane there is an important concern regarding the choices that will affect the concept of the family.”
In addition to his intention to alter traditional matrimony, President Hollande’s administration has also hinted that it will legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia for patients who ask for it. The administration also wishes to increase the availability of abortion.
In recent years, polls have indicated that a strong majority of French are in favor of homosexual “marriage” and that a slimmer majority favor adoption rights for gays. Although a majority of French identify nominally as Catholic, only a small percentage practices the faith.
The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual acts are intrinsically evil, and the Catholic hierarchy opposes measures to grant privileges to homosexual couples. Although homosexual attraction is not considered sinful if it is are not willed nor acted upon, it is regarded as “disordered” by the Church.
Related LifeSiteNews coverage:
Socialist French govt. promises to legalize same-sex ‘marriage,’ adoption ‘in a few months’
New France president’s first deeds: get ready for more secularism and gay ‘marriage’