Why Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe Left The Catholic Church For Love
The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, formerly of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, renounced his priestly vows and celibacy to marry his partner, Dora Chichah, in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024, Sunday evening.
The priest married Dora at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas without awaiting formal release from his canonical obligations by the church. As a result, the Diocese of Warri suspended him from all priestly duties, citing the violation of Canon 1394 S1, which resulted in a Latae Sententiae suspension.
The Diocese stated on January 16, 2025, confirming the suspension, which Rt signed. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, Chancellor/Notary. The statement noted that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s marriage to Dora Chichah triggered the suspension. It further clarified that, despite Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s request on November 30, 2024, to be released from his canonical obligations, he proceeded to marry without completing the necessary procedures. Consequently, the diocese declared that he could no longer present himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity.
The Church also emphasised that while Fr. Oghenerukevwe could petition for the revocation or amendment of the suspension, he would need to show a willingness to reform. “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
The suspension followed the circulation of footage of the marriage on social media, which prompted further action from the church.
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However, new insights into why Fr. Oghenerukevwe chose to leave the priesthood emerged. His sister, Mary Okanatotor, explained on social media that her brother’s decision was driven by “loneliness.” She revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had long struggled with mental health issues and found it difficult to cope with the isolation inherent in the priesthood. Mary shared that the family had not been physically present to support him during these challenges.
In her statement, Mary wrote, “Thank you all for the comments. The said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness. We, his family members, are not with him to physically give him support. Thank you for your encouraging words. This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.”
She also clarified that the marriage was not secret, as her brother had informed the diocese of his decision. “Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly,” Mary added.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who hails from a community in Ewu Kingdom, Delta State, was ordained a priest on June 21, 2008, within the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.gistreel.com/
