St. Mary's Basilica Has Display at "Gay Pride" Event: Minneapolis

There were quite a few people at the event, and as it takes place in the shadow of the Catholic St. Mary's Basilica, it isn't hard to imagine that there's a certain amount of pressure to participate in an event which ostensibly works for the legitimization of homosexuality.

The local ordinary, Archbishop Nienstedt prevented the offensive "Pride Liturgy" from taking place under Church auspices at St. Joan of Arc Parish this year, where it usually occurs. But that didn't stop the Basilica from maintaining its own decade long presence at the "Gay Pride" event where it is present at a booth showing various churches where it is to be assumed that homosexuality is tolerated. There is a placard on a rainbow cloth covered table displaying the Basilica's name with some literature advertising its upcoming "Block Party" and this card reaching out to those gay Catholics, "alienated and hurt" by the Church.



Unlike a protestant minister whose presence was objected to by the organizers of this event -- they were unable to obtain a restraining order, the Basilica on the other hand is happily present with its own representative to make a show of its cheerful participation at this event, which doesn't seem to include an objection to the principles entertained by the event or the sin of sodomy. The aforementioned protestant minister was forbidden a booth, but he was there holding a placard and handing out Bibles all the same. He at least made it clear where he stood on the issue. One wonders what the homosexuals are afraid of when it comes to people disagreeing with their "lifestyle", and one also wonders why they haven't attempted to have the Basilica presence eliminated as well, unless of course, the Basilica approves at least tacitly as to what's going on.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines scandal as follows:

2285 Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. It prompted our Lord to utter this curse: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."86 Scandal is grave when given by those who by nature or office are obliged to teach and educate others. Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees on this account: he likens them to wolves in sheep's clothing.87

We'll leave it to you to decide whether this falls under the category of scandal.

As we approached the tent, as if to point out the ostensible reason for the presence of these churches at this event, a barker called out to the passing patrons asking, "are you sexually gifted, if you think you are, ask your partner".

In the past, people associated with the Basilica have said that this was an association independent of the Parish. One of the volunteers affirmed that the Basilica has been present at this event for at least 10 years and that he is uncertain whether or not Archishop Nienstedt is aware of this. We were told that this display wasn't there last year, but perhaps, like a dog to his vomit.

We asked for the person volunteering for the Basilica. We were told it was Roger Pare who is part of an office at the Basilica at least since 2008 which is for "Catholics Coming Home". [pdf file p. 10] Since this volunteer is mentioned in the Basilica Bulletin alongside of one of its "ministries" we're not clear as to how this is an unofficial presence if that's what they are going to say.

Archbishop Dolan prevented one of his churches from participating in this weekend's worldwide "gay" festivities. We're not certain why the Archdiocese wasn't aware of this.