USCCB Calls on Catholics to Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart in Response to Dodgers’ Honor of Anti-Catholic Group
The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 16, and this year, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has called on Catholics to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart.[0] The USCCB's call comes after the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team announced they would be honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag group that mocks the Catholic faith, with a “Community Hero Award” on the same day.[0] The Dodgers' decision sparked a backlash from Christians and conservatives, with many calling the group an anti-Catholic hate group that is guilty of blasphemy. The USCCB has therefore called on Catholics to offer the Litany of the Sacred Heart as an act of reparation for the blasphemies against the Lord that are seen in today's culture.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence describe themselves as a “leading edge Order of queer and trans nuns,” and are an activist group of queer and trans nuns who are called to serve the often-ignored and disparaged needs of the LGBTQ+ community. They have been accused of Catholic mockery and sacrilege since their founding in 1979, so this is not new.[1] However, the Dodgers' decision to honor the group has sparked outrage from many Catholics and conservatives, who see the group's actions as blasphemous and offensive to Christians everywhere.
The USCCB's call to offer the Litany of the Sacred Heart as an act of reparation is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting religious beliefs and traditions. The Litany of the Sacred Heart is a powerful prayer that asks for the mercy and compassion of Jesus, who is seen as the embodiment of love and goodness. It is a prayer that can help to heal the wounds caused by blasphemy and sacrilege, and it is a reminder of the importance of showing respect for the beliefs of others.[2]
The USCCB's call also highlights the need for greater understanding and tolerance in our society.[3] The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an activist group that uses humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency, and guilt that chain the human spirit. While their actions may be offensive to some, they are protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech and expression. It is important to remember that the United States is a country that values diversity and tolerance, and that we must respect the rights and beliefs of all individuals, regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
In conclusion, the USCCB's call to offer the Litany of the Sacred Heart as an act of reparation is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting religious beliefs and traditions. It is a call for greater understanding and tolerance in our society, and a reminder that we must show respect for the beliefs of others, even when we may disagree with them. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us pray for the mercy and compassion of Jesus, and let us work to build a more tolerant and understanding society that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.
0. “Bishops invite Catholics to pray Litany of Sacred Heart in response to Dodgers' ‘blasphemy'” Catholic News Agency, 12 Jun. 2023, https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254547/bishops-invite-catholics-to-pray-litany-of-sacred-heart-in-response-to-dodgers-blasphemy
1. “Dodger Blues: A Queer, Academic Breakdown of Pride Night ‘Cultures Wars' That Hit Home ~ L.A. TACO” lataco.com, 13 Jun. 2023, https://lataco.com/pride-night-controversy-explained
2. “Bishops Point to ‘Blasphemy' as LA Dodgers Give ‘Hero Award' to Anti-Christian Drag Group” CBN.com, 14 Jun. 2023, https://www2.cbn.com/news/entertainment/bishops-point-blasphemy-la-dodgers-give-hero-award-anti-christian-drag-group
3. “Exclusive: Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams speaks out on Dodgers controversy” Catholic World Report, 14 Jun. 2023, https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/06/14/exclusive-washington-nationals-pitcher-trevor-williams-speaks-out-on-dodgers-controversy/
