“‘Til death do us part” is not always the case for those unable to be one with the person they love.

The recent release of the Vatican documentary, “Francesco,” has caused a stir among Catholics, both conservative and liberal alike. The documentary included coverage of Pope Francis endorsing same-sex civil unions for the first time as a pope. He stated, “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it. What we have to have is a civil union law—that way they are legally covered. I supported that.”

His words have brought about differing reactions worldwide. As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope serves as more than just the figurehead of the world’s largest religious institution. As the one thought to be the direct successor of St. Peter, the leader of the apostles and “rock” upon which the institution was built, the pope supposedly upholds the teachings of the scriptures. According to Sacred Tradition, homosexual acts are spelt as “intrinsically immoral and contrary to the natural law” and homosexual tendencies “objectively disordered.” While the congregation calls for respect and sensitivity towards them, it does not approve of such and still generally displays a negative attitude towards it. 

More than just items that bring good omens to newlyweds, the old English saying “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” can represent how we could overcome bigotry and give way to love.

The thought of a pope and papacy approving civil unions may be unheard of, if it were not for Pope Francis’ previous stands on the topic. His expression of support for the said unions and conservative Catholics’ backlash begs the question of how someone who speaks the word of the Lord could endorse something against traditional teachings of the Church.

More than just items that bring good omens to newlyweds, the old English saying “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” can represent how we could overcome bigotry and give way to love.

Something Old, Something New

Serving as a good luck charm for their relationships, nearlyweds often wear or bring something old and something new with them on their special day—a symbol of continuity and a symbol of a hopeful future ahead, a representation of traditional and contemporary ideas’ coexistence.

Although marriages solemnized and celebrated by the Church are not exactly a thing of the past, unions between spouses today are not limited to religious affairs alone. Contrary to popular belief, civil unions and marriages are not the same thing. While both provide similar rights, benefits and protections, the former strays from religious connotation as it only aims to legally recognize couples as spouses. As a secular state, a single religion—however deeply ingrained into our culture—shouldn’t dictate whether or not same-sex couples deserve the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

Technically speaking, the Pope stood by his previous statements of opposition towards gay marriage. What he endorses is a union that does not concern religion, but rather an acknowledgement of the LGBTQ+ community’s right to be legally protected. 

Something Borrowed

Just as how something borrowed symbolizes the transfer of luck from one fortunate union to another, those privileged enough to marry whoever they love could use their advantage to amplify the voices of those unable to do so. To be a straight ally is more than just recognizing how much they have over the members of the LGBTQ+ community—it involves education, both of themselves and of others, and standing with the very people they’re fighting for.

Something Blue

As Ateneans, the blue symbolizes the faith and loyalty to everything that the institution and students stand for. The Atenean value of cura personalis give students the introspection to become sensitive to the needs of others regardless of their differences or beliefs. In the face of discrimination, they are encouraged to stand for love and unity, professing what is good and just. Similarly, they are inspired to become catalysts of change, just as the Pope continues to be an active voice in society. 

With Ignatian values at the helm and the “rock” of the Church under their feet, something old may be maintained, something new may be reformed, something borrowed may be loved, and something blue can be told. 

Sources:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/pope-francis-supports-same-sex-civil-unions-but-the-church-must-do-more
https://www.rappler.com/nation/filipino-bishops-defend-pope-francis-same-sex-civil-unions
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/world/europe/pope-francis-same-sex-civil-unions.html
https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-same-sex-civil-unions-44558168e3a9fc56d0821cdd544f77ad
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-faces-divided-reactions-after-backing-same-sex-civil-n1244243
https://www.foreverbridal.net/something-old-something-new-something-borrowed-and-something-blue/
https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-traditions-the-meaning-of-something-old
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/10/04/Same-sex-civil-unions-and-same-sex-marriage-Whats-the-difference.html#:~:text=’%20For%20them%2C%20marriage%20has%20a%20religious%20connotation.&text=Roman%20said%20that%20in%20a,partner%20and%20possible%20adoption%20rights.
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/what-civil-union-might-look-like-philippines

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Jaemie Talingdan and Nicolette Zoleta