In Europe in May many prayer vigils to overcome homotransbiphobia
This year too, around May 17, the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, vigils, prayer meetings, conferences and moments of discussion promoted by Christian communities, groups of LGBT+ believers, parishes, ecumenical organizations and local associations are being created or consolidated in various European countries.
The gionata Portal, through the section dedicated to vigils, continues to collect and make these initiatives visible, offering guides, liturgical materials and graphic tools for those who wish to organize a vigil in their territory. The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics is also contributing to the international dissemination of information, helping LGBT+ Catholic groups and communities from different countries to recognize themselves as part of a common journey.
From Sweden this year, particularly significant news arrives: for the first time, two vigils linked to this route have been reported. In Lund, an ecumenical vigil will be held at the Dominican convent on May 19 at 7.30 pm.
TO Stockholm, on May 22nd at 7:00 pm, a Catholic vigil is planned at the pastoral center in Brunnsgränd. Those who organize simply describe the uncertainty of the beginning: not knowing how many people will participate, nor whether there will be negative reactions. But it also tells of the gratitude for those who chose to open a door, in particular for the Dominican prior who made a space of prayer and welcome possible despite some resistance.
Even fromIreland an important testimony arrives. In Dublin, in the parish of Kimmage Manor, a group of parishioners linked to We Are Church Ireland created, in the autumn of 2023, an LGBT+ solidarity group called Le Chéile, "together". Their objective is to show in a concrete and visible way acceptance and inclusion towards LGBT+ brothers and sisters, within the life of the Catholic community.
This year in Ireland the Le Chéile association, together with We Are Church Ireland, is preparing to experience its first prayer vigil in Dublin, in solidarity with the European communities who pray to overcome violence and exclusion. To prepare it, the group chose to use the material made available by la Tenda di Gionata. One of the difficulties encountered concerns sharing personal testimonies: many people, understandably, do not yet feel free to speak publicly. But this also says something about the necessary path. A vigil is not born when everything is already resolved; it arises when someone prepares a warm, respectful space where we can begin to pray together.
In Belgium, the diocese of Liège proposes two meetings close to the day against homotransphobia. On May 6, at 7pm, at the Espace Prémontrés, a conference dedicated to the reception and pastoral accompaniment of LGBT+ people will be held. On May 8, at 7.30 pm, again at Espace Prémontrés, a conference-debate will be held with the theologian and priest James Alison on the LGBT issue in the Catholic Church. The images received indicate the involvement of the diocese of Liège, the Service diocésain des Couples et des Familles, the Librairie Siloé and other local entities.
Also in Belgium, a Brussels, on May 16, in the context of Brussels Pride, an ecumenical celebration on the theme of Pride is reported. This year the celebration will be held in a Protestant church, alternating annually with a Catholic church in central Brussels.
To AntwerpAt the end of May, the Catholic festival "Amen. En nu", promoted by Flemish and Dutch Catholics, will also host a space for discussion on the presence and inclusion of LGBT+ people in the Catholic Church. The panel, entitled "Para todos!", is part of the broader path of reflection on synodality.
Even from Poland news arrives of two iDAHOBIT celebrations: One in warsaw On may 15th and one in krakow On may 17th. the Details are still to be integrated, but the report confirms that the journey continues there too.
These initiatives are different from each other: some are prayer vigils, others conferences, others ecumenical celebrations or spaces for dialogue. But together they show one important thing: in many parts of Europe there are believers, groups and communities who no longer want to leave LGBT+ people and their families alone.
Sometimes they are big events, other times small beginnings where you don't know if ten people or a hundred will arrive. But even a small vigil can have weight, because it makes a promise visible: no one should feel excluded from the prayer of the Church.
For further information> Info on the vigils 2026
