Blessings from Priest Denied

[TheLittleLady]

Not in the communion line. That is not a place for blessings.

He will bless everyone at the end of Mass, or bless sick Aunt Suzie if you ask outside of Mass.

 

[Gorgias]

We have a priest who has stated that he does not give blessings. His rule has applied across all settings and situations which he has made very clear by denying to give a blessing to those who seek them (e.g., the young, sick, elderly, etc.) and will not bless those who walk up to communion but cannot receive communion. He had stated that if you cannot receive communion then to remain seated in the pew.

So, is he denying blessings always and everywhere, or only during the distribution of Communion?

 

[edward_george1]

I was going on what I’d always been taught. Though from my reading, that is the lone exception to the principle “no public blessings in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.” If the Mass ends with exposition, the blessing and dismissal are omitted, and if the Liturgy of the Hours is celebrated without concluding with Benediction (as at 40 Hours devotion), then no blessing is given, but the rather the simple conclusion “May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life” is used.

 

[agjahn]

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and perspectives. This priest is new to our parish and I’d have to think back to how St. Francis Blessing of Animals (the first that came to mind) was carried out this past year. Personally, I have not typically sought blessings of my things or personal blessings from this priest. I will admit the thought of asking after seeing others dismissed, makes me nervous and I would rather approach a deacon, instead.
I appreciate everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut and expanding my understanding before I asked him of his reasoning to help me understand his preferences and if there is a time or place. If not for me, I’d like to know for the sake of my family and church family. It is heartbreaking to see anyone be dismissed, but I do want to give him the benefit of the doubt and continue to support this parish. If anything, this has challenged me to set aside judgement and bias that might sneak into my mind during mass. I appreciate all that this discussion has opened. Thank you!

 

[poche]

Does that also mean that he does not bless objects outside of mass?

 

[Star_Orbiter]

I’m not the most knowledgeable person, but honestly I think of refusing blessings to the sick, the young, the elderly, etc as a little like denying bread to a starving man. I believe there can only be good that comes from knowing someone has prayed for you, especially from the consecrated hands of a priest. In a manner of speaking, the same hands that physically hold Our Lord are now holding you. The same voice that speaks the sacred words of the consecration is now speaking a prayer for you.The priest, who we say is a representative of Christ on Earth is also, in that moment, a representative of Christ’s deep personal love for you. It’s really a beautiful thing. I feel sad that those who are sick from physical ailments are being denied that spiritual comfort.

Perhaps it would best avoid confusion and the resulting gossip (which truly can destroy congregations) if this particular priest would simply explain the reasoning publicly and clearly? Perhaps in homily, if appropriate? I didn’t know about blessings not being recommended during mass itself until reading this thread so it’s likely the others in the congregation don’t know the reasoning either. I leave the question of blessings during mass up to the judgement of the Church.
But outside the mass I believe blessings have been given for centuries. I don’t know of a good reason to deny them to someone who is asking because they believe they are in need of one. These are simply my thoughts, so if I am missing something, then feel free to let me know.