CLARIFICATION: Fr. Donald Rodrigues

There have been requests from several of our priests to clarify the position of Fr. Donald Rodrigues, ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay on April 2, 2005. To avoid any confusion or misunderstanding I am issuing this clarification.

Fr. Donald was granted sabbatical leave; several months later, he presented a letter to me requesting to be relieved of priestly duties. I could not persuade him to reconsider the matter because he had made up his mind.

We are aware that he got married on March 1, 2021. According to Can 1394 § I he has incurred latae sententiae suspension. He therefore can no longer function as a Catholic priest: offer Mass, administer the Sacraments, etc.

I met him yesterday to explain to him his canonical status. I have given instructions to initiate the process of his laicization. He has associated himself with the '·Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ". This Church is not in communion with the Holy See.

Hence, Donald Rodrigues is no longer a member of our Presbyterium; but we continue to keep him in our prayers.

✠ Oswald Cardinal Gracias

Archbishop of Bombay