The decision of the former bishop of Solsona

Xavier Novell

to start a new life away from the Church continues, despite the attempts of the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and archbishop of Barcelona,

Juan José Omella

, to redirect this thorny episode. Novell and his current partner, the psychologist and writer of the erotic novel

Silvia Caballol

, registered on October 7 in the Civil Registry of Súria (Barcelona) the request to marry. This is stated in a document signed by the justice of the peace,

Jaume Bransuela Alsina

, to which EL MUNDO has had access.

In the document, and in compliance with article 246 of the Civil Registry Regulations, the judge invites all people who know "any legal impediment", such as that any of the applicants is a minor, is married or has consanguinity, among others reasons, for the celebration of this civil marriage that "manifest it in writing or orally to this court within a period of fifteen days."

Novell's resignation from the bishopric was made public on August 23, when Pope Francis finally accepted it, but it was not until a few weeks later that it was learned that those "personal reasons" alleged by one of the most media representatives of the church Catalan had to do with the sentimental relationship he kept secretly with Caballol, a divorced woman with two children from a previous marriage.

Novell's unexpected resignation caused a strong impact and discomfort both in the rest of the members of the church in Catalonia, where the bishop of Solsona had been framed in the most orthodox sector, and in many parishioners who asked for a clear and public explanation. Initially, the former bishop had planned to request the Holy See a dispensation from the promise of Celibacy and obedience, in order to be able to enjoy the status of lay person, but maintaining the position of Bishop Emeritus of Solsona.

The controversy unleashed by his decision and the media attention received, in addition to the fact that it was known that the bishop had confirmed his current partner shortly before he announced that he was leaving office, caused Novell to barely show himself for a few weeks, taking refuge in small rental apartment in Manresa, where he lives alone and is leading an almost monastic life.

One of the couple's few public appearances was at the Montserrat monastery, another symbol of the church in Catalonia.

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