Unni finished his homilies at the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses to thunderous applause.
After last Sunday’s bulletin advertised a June 19 evening Mass, themed “All Are Welcome’’ to celebrate Boston’s Gay Pride Month, the archdiocese canceled the service, saying it gave the “unintended impression’’ that St. Cecilia’s supported Gay Pride.
“This parish is a great example of people who are civil and exhibiting a real fellowship,’’ said Terrence C. Donilon, a spokesman for the archdiocese, in a phone interview yesterday. “But that doesn’t mean we can be put in a position where we look like we’re endorsing Gay Pride activities.’’
Unni, who has been at St. Cecilia’s for seven years, said the Mass has been postponed indefinitely. He said he will discuss the goals of the “All Are Welcome’’ Mass with the parish and address fears about the service or recent backlash.
St. Cecilia’s congregation has a large gay and lesbian population, many of whom arrived after the South End’s predominantly gay Jesuit Urban Center closed in 2007, parishioners said. Almost 200 members of St. Cecilia’s are now active in its Rainbow Ministry, which hosts events for members and supporters of the LGBT community.
Members of the Rainbow Ministry first suggested the Mass to Unni six to eight weeks ago, he said, and he told them yes, “not knowing what would happen,’’ he said.
Instead of the Mass, the Rainbow Ministry will hold a sidewalk prayer service next Sunday at 6 p.m., with readings and reflections from laypeople, said Richard Iandoli, vice chairman of the parish council.
Rainbow Ministry member Michael Skully expressed his frustrations with the archdiocese and said he “fully expected to be standing in front of locked doors’’ next Sunday.
But Donilon said the archdiocese has no objection to the service, especially if it isn’t held inside.
“This should not be about conflict,’’ Donilon said. “The teachings of the Catholic Church are set in stone, but that doesn’t stop us from loving people from different walks of life.’’
