(LifeSiteNews) – “None” of the “various kinds of protests” of the Dodgers’ “Pride Night” honoring the anti-Catholic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence “has the backing or approval of the Los Angeles Archdiocese,” according to an internal memo obtained by LifeSiteNews.
The office of 83-year-old auxiliary bishop emeritus Gerald Wilkerson sent the memo distancing the diocese from the upcoming prayer rally, whose purpose is to make reparation for the baseball team honoring the nun-mocking drag troupe, to “priests and deacons of the San Fernando pastoral region” on June 9.
“I am aware that some groups are planning various kinds of protests regarding the Dodgers Pride Night. Please note that none of these has the backing or approval of the Los Angeles Archdiocese,” Wilkerson informed clergy.
“We have decided to take a step back and hope for a dialogue with all relevant parties. Leadership of the Archdiocese has instead asked all to enter into prayer.”
Organized by the Arizona-based group Catholics for Catholics, the prayer rally Wilkerson’s office is referring to is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, June 16 – this year’s feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – in parking lot 13 outside Dodgers Stadium.
LifeSiteNews is co-sponsoring the event along with Catholic Vote, America Needs Fatima, and Virgin Most Powerful Internet Radio. LifeSite co-founder John-Henry Westen is scheduled to appear at the rally and will address attendees, as will Tyler, Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland.
LifeSiteNews is co-sponsoring an international Catholic protest and Prayerful Procession against the LA @Dodgers LGBT Pride Night on Friday, June 16. @jhwesten will be there. @USAYep talks about the rally that will shake the entire Catholic world. https://t.co/jNya2vfrOy
— LifeSiteNews (@LifeSite) June 9, 2023
Wilkerson is the interim vicar for the San Fernando region of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, which is run by Archbishop Jose Gomez, the former president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Archdiocese had previously issued a statement condemning the Pride Night game on June 16.
“The forthcoming Dodgers event honoring a group that mocks women religious, and worse, desecrates the Cross, profanes the Eucharist, and disrupts Holy Mass has caused disappointment, dismay, and pain in our Catholic community, as well as among our fellow Christians and people of good will,” their public statement read.
The Archdiocese’s decision to seek “dialogue” is likely to rankle those who have been demanding the Dodgers rescind the invitation, especially because the franchise has already told Catholic Vote president Brian Burch that they are not interested in discussing the matter any further.
“This is a give or take war,” John Yep, who works for Catholics for Catholics, told Westen recently. Catholics “have to be ready to push back,” he exclaimed.
“If you are a Catholic or Christian and take your faith seriously, you cannot let such an offense occur against the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Yep’s press release for the event states.
LifeSite reached out to Wilkersons’ office via telephone for comment but did not receive an answer.
To learn more about prayer rally at Dodgers Stadium on July 16, click here.
Contact information for respectful communication:
Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wilkerson
15101 San Fernando Mission Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA, 91345
(818) 361-6009
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241
(213) 637-7000