Peru: Priest loses clerical status and diocese alert about invalid sacraments

The Diocese of Chiclayo, in northern Peru, informed that the priest Raúl Alfonso Raúl Obando Manayay has lost the clerical state, so he is no longer empowered to exercise the priestly ministry.

The measure was adopted after a canonical process and the reception of the “Rescript of the loss of the clerical state” issued by the Dicasterio for the clergy of the Vatican and that has been received by Mons. Edinson Farfán, Bishop of Chiclayo, the diocese that previously directed the then Mons. Robert Prevost – today Pope Leo XIV.

He communicationsigned on June 9 by Father Purisaca Vigil, director of the Diocese press and communication office, clarifies that Fr. Obando “is not empowered to celebrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, celebrate baptisms and attend marriages.”

In addition, the dispensation of the obligations derived from priestly ordination has been granted.

The Diocese also recalls that on March 30, 2019, the priestly ministry had already been prohibited from exercising in the parish Our Lady of Carmen de Pátapo.

Consequently, the faithful are warned that “the sacraments made by Mr. Obando lack validity”, and it is pointed out that “those who knowingly participate in such celebrations, are also partly responsible for that disability.”

The statement indicates that the decision has been informed to the suspended priest, urging him to “act according to his Lay life, taking into account what is regulated by the Code of Canon Law”, and publicly inviting him to “normalize his situation before God and the Church”.

Finally, the Diocese of Chiclayo expresses a overwhelming rejection of this type of illegal actions, and urges “the Diocesan family not to participate, or be fooled by this type of activities.”