All are now welcome, at least on the sidewalk

Sometimes a sad story takes an unexpected turn and ends up offering hope and compels thoughtful reflection. I posted yesterday about a parish in Boston that had planned to offer a Mass with a theme of “All Are Welcome,” that was scrapped because of outspoken conservative bloggers. Today’s Boston Globe follows up, reporting that the pastor preached a message of radical love and inclusivity at this weekend’s Masses, even with a bishop in attendance:

During the first Mass since the Archdiocese of Boston canceled one planned for next weekend in support of St. Cecilia’s gay and lesbian churchgoers, the Rev. John J. Unni preached a fiery message of unconditional love and what he called “acceptance of all.’’

“You are welcome here, gay or straight, rich or poor, young or old, black or white,’’ Unni said as he paced up and down the center aisle. “Here, you all can say, ‘I can worship the God who made me as I am.’ ’’

Unni finished his homilies at the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses to thunderous applause.

The parish, which has a large gay and lesbian population that once worshipped at a now closed Jesuit center, will instead host a lay-run sidewalk prayer service, which appears to have the support of the archdiocese.