Boston priest assures gay Catholics "you are welcome here…"

Controversy has been swirling around a Boston parish that was planning to host a mass tied to Gay Pride Month.

This weekend, the pastor spoke out — and alluded to the controversy — during his homily:

Sunday Mass at St. Cecilia’s Church in the Back Bay brought the first standing ovation any parishioner could remember.

During the first Mass since the Archdiocese of Boston canceled one planned for next weekend in support of St. Cecilia’s gay and lesbian churchgoers, the Rev. John J. Unni preached a fiery message of unconditional love and what he called “acceptance of all.’’

“You are welcome here, gay or straight, rich or poor, young or old, black or white,’’ Unni said as he paced up and down the center aisle. “Here, you all can say, ‘I can worship the God who made me as I am.’ ’’

“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.

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