Blessing for the infertile

Sydney
10 August 2003

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Blessing for the infertile

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr George Pell, has announced the promulgation of a new official Order of Blessing of Couples Imploring the Gift of Children, approved for use in the archdiocese by the Congregation for Divine Worship.

The blessing has been prepared to assist priests in the pastoral care of any married couple seeking to have children, and especially couples who are having trouble conceiving or who may be infertile. It can be given by any priest or deacon in the Sydney Archdiocese.

“Many married couples find it difficult to conceive children, or to have another child,” Archbishop Pell said. “It’s a very difficult and often very sad situation, and I hope this small initiative will assist priests in encouraging and helping couples in these circumstances.”

The new rite has a blessing for couples, or for the married woman alone. There are three options for each of these.

The first is a rite of about five minutes length, comprising a Scripture reading, intercessions, the Prayer of Blessing, and sprinkling with holy water.

The second option is a shorter rite with a brief reading, blessing and sprinkling with holy water.

The third option is a short formula and a blessing as follows: “May God, who through the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced and granted to the human race the joys of eternal salvation, bless you and gladden your hearts with the gift of children. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.”

Up to now, the Church has had no official blessing for this need. Copies of the rite of blessing have been distributed to the clergy of Sydney.

Any couples desiring this blessing can contact a priest in their parish.