The Bishopric supports the priest from Pontevedra who rejected a godmother for living with a man without getting married

The Bishopric of

has supported this Tuesday the decision of the parish priest of

(Pontevedra),

, who last Saturday refused to accept as godmother of a girl a woman who cohabits with her partner without being married .

"The parish priest must act with the necessary strength to reject a godfather who could cause scandal among the faithful," says the Bishopric in a statement explaining that "the fact that certain public and immoral behaviors are widespread among the faithful does not mean that they can be admitted as godparents".

The parish priest of As Neves already aroused controversy a month ago by prohibiting the famous procession of the coffins, which had been held every July 29 during the

The one known as Procession of the Cadaleitos is a festival of cultural interest and an important focus of tourist attraction;

its origin dates back to at least the 12th century, although some scholars believe it has its beginnings in pre-Christian times.

In this procession, devotees offer themselves to Santa Marta and go to the hermitage inside coffins carried by family and friends as a way of thanking her for helping them overcome situations that put them on the verge of death, which the parish priest considered a superstition and therefore a reason to ban it.

That decision, backed by the Diocese, aroused the indignation of the neighbors, some of whom have once again put the priest in the spotlight for refusing to baptize the girl if the parents were stubborn in their decision to choose that godmother, as it was.

"No parent, or any baptized adult, should be surprised if the priest rejects a godparent who leads a lifestyle incompatible with the teachings of the Catholic Church, since it is the obligation of the priest to act like this," says the Bishopric, which recalls the requirements that must be met by anyone who wants to act as godfather or godmother.

The decision made by the priest of As Neves supposes "acting as the good shepherd" for the Bishopric, since a godmother is obliged to demand "a life consistent with the faith and with the mission that she is going to assume", which seems not coincide with the fact of living together without marriage.

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