Churchgoers in a town in central Italy assembled for Mass as usual but were not ready for the confession they got from their own parish priest.
Reverend Father Riccardo Ceccobelli, 42, revealed on Sunday, April 11, inside the San Felice church in Massa Martana, in Perugia, that he had fallen in love.
“I cannot not continue to be coherent, transparent and correct with regards to her (the Church), as I have always been so far,” Ceccobelli told his parishioners, according to a statement published on Tuesday, April 13, by the diocese.
The priest, whose story was reported in national newspapers Tuesday, has been suspended from his duties and formalities have begun to return him to the lay state.
“All my gratitude to Don Riccardo for the service done so far,” said Bishop Sigismondi.
“Above all my most sincere wishes go to Don Riccardo that this choice, made in full freedom as he confided to me, may ensure him serenity and peace.”
