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 t0 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 I, 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. I le 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