Rainy Rosary prays for LGBTQ families

On Tuesday, a group of Catholics gathered in the rain to pray for LGBT families. Though the Bishops had talked the day before of welcoming gay and lesbian Catholics, we knew that we have a long way to go to make this Church truly welcoming. As we prayed the rosary, we held in our hearts the many LGBT Catholics and their family members who've been hurt by Church teachings. We also prayed for our leaders, that they be open to listening as they discern the future direction of Church teaching.

The vigil was one of several held in cities across the country during the Synod. Organized by HRC with help from local partners including CTA chapters, the vigils were specifically held in cities whose Bishops have been outspoken about their anti-LGBT stance. In MN a few days before, about 30 people gathered not only to pray the rosary but also for a longer prayer service that included readings, intercessions and a litany.

As we gathered in Chicago, one participant pulled out their phone.  "I have to text my mom to tell her we are starting," they said, "she's praying with us from the West Coast. As an immigrant catholic, she was so excited to hear that I was doing this."  While some of us had been skeptical whether progressive Catholics felt a connection to the rosary, the importance of claiming our place in the worldwide church was clear.  As we circled together and prayed words we'd known since childhood, we knew, this was our Church and we weren't leaving.

The vigils continue this week, ending with a vigil in Baltimore on Sunday.