Message from Fr. Richard MickleyThe Queer Pride Mass will concentrate on the theme of being Queer and Proud, and being gay and lesbian and Christian with pride. The mass wedding will be a simple exchange of love and commitment vows. There will be no preparatory seminar. Those who have rings will have them blessed and exchange rings. Veils are optional. Those who desire a certificate can provide the necessary information on the day of the ceremony. Any couple in a committed relationship is welcome to participate, including
those who have had a previous Holy Union (are invited to make a renewal
of their vows). This mass wedding is inspired by the weddings of 5000
or so couples at each of the last several March on Washington events (to
drive home the point that we deserve equal The press and all media and their photographers will not be admitted to the venue. The first public Queer Pride Mass was June 30, 1991, the 23rd anniversary of Stonewall, when 50-some gays and lesbians and friends gathered at the main altar of the National Cathedral of Holy Child on Taft Avenue. I delivered a 25-minute gay and lesbian pride message, what it means to be gay and lesbian and Christian with pride. The Mass was concelebrated by a Philippine Independent Church bishop, Rev. Noah Panlilio (a Methodist minister), and myself. It was organized and promoted by Jomar Fleras with me and several interested gays and lesbians. The 25th anniversary of Stonewall was celebrated at Quezon Memorial Circle with Oscar Atadero and ProGay, myself and MCC, and quite a few other gays and lesbians (many from organizations and gave solidarity statements) who braved the downpour to make it the first Gay and Lesbian Pride March and Rally in Asia. The 1995 Queer Pride Mass was advertised in the Manila Bulletin and celebrated in Marikina. Please pass on the invitation to the 2002 Queer Pride Mass and Wedding to your friends and come and celebrate with us. Sincerely, Directions to St. Aelred's: 53A Mapang-akit Street, Quezon City -- Go off East Ave at V. Luna, Jolibee; Go three streets to Mapang-akit; Turn right, ten houses, to 53-A. |