The approach is unusual, and the reason is just as unusual. Saturday, on the website of the diocese of Orléans. Father Christophe Chatillon, rector of the cathedral, announced his decision to leave his ministry to live in all honesty a romantic relationship with a woman and not lock himself “in a double life”.
In his press release, this priest, ordained in 1999 at the age of 29, explains that the pastoral charge has become “increasingly heavy to bear physically, morally, and even spiritually” and that the joys of his mission do not are more sufficient to compensate for “the frustrations linked to the priestly ministry and more particularly to celibacy”.
“Chance would have it that I found comfort with a friend…”
“The chance of life wanted me to find the comfort I needed with a friend who listened to me and supported me. Today, I cannot envisage the future without her”, continues the priest who takes the trouble to specify that his decision was made “freely” and in agreement with his hierarchy.
This choice visibly surprised the ranks of the Church. In a text that accompanies the priest’s statement, the Bishop of Orléans, Monsignor Jacques Blaquart, calls on the faithful to pray “in this moment of trial”. “This news is a shock for many of us”, he summarizes.
For the faithful who wish, whether or not they attend the parish “Orléans-Coeur de ville”, “a time of exchange and meeting” will be organized on February 4, specifies the bishop. As for the animation of pastoral life, it was urgently entrusted to a deacon.