Voters in favour of divorce denied home blessings and absolution of sins
Independent on Sunday reports some priests refusing to give absolution of sins and home blessing of people who say they will vote for divorce.
The Malta Independent on Sunday reports today that a number of people were denied the absolution of sins in Lija and Birkirkara. One individual said they were told that a vote for divorce goes against the teachings of the Church, and that the intention alone of voting ‘yes’ is already a sin in itself.
The same newspaper received reports this week of families being denied the blessing of their home, adding to a story which emerged earlier this week when a woman from Fgura was refused Holy Communion by a priest because she is in favour of divorce.
The woman, who is house-bound, received an apology from the same priest and was told she will be visited for Holy Communion.
The yearly post-Easter home visits appear to be exploited by priests across Malta and Gozo to deliver the message of the Church against divorce.
It is not known whether or not the Curia has instructed priests with specific instructions to not bless homes of people who have said they will be voting ‘yes’.