After more than twenty years of priesthood, the parish priest-dean of the center of Orléans (Loiret) Christophe Chatillon, also rector of the Sainte-Croix cathedral in the city since 2010, has decided to leave the habit.
He had been ordained a priest in 1999, indicates
La Montagne
.
In a letter to his parishioners, the former clergyman explained that he had fallen in love with a woman.
“Today I cannot envisage the future without her,” wrote Christophe Chatillon in his message.
He recounted having experienced “physically and morally” difficult times in recent years and having received the support of a friend, for whom he finally wished to renounce his priestly ministry.
The former priest confided that the happiness he found in his duties was no longer enough to make him forget certain constraints, including celibacy.
He said he had thought long and refused to lead "a double life", before informing the Bishop of Orléans of his resignation.
Parishioners who so wish will be able to take part in “a time of exchange and meeting” to discuss the subject on Saturday February 4.
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Orleans
Loiret
Priest
Religion