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	Repentant Married Priest Restored by Church Law – Bishop By Leslie Ann G. Aquino Manila Bulletin February 2, 2009 http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20090203147204.html Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla yesterday admitted that one of his priests had been suspended years ago for marrying a woman, but was reinstated to the priestly ministry after complying with the prescribed requirements of Church law. Archbishop Capalla was referring to Fr. Pedro Lamata, parish priest of St. Mary's Church in Buhangin, Davao City. Capalla said it is true that Lamata violated Church law, when as a young priest, he civilly married a woman 27 years ago. "According to Church law, this is a serious violation which brings about an automatic suspension from the priestly ministry. So Father Lamata was suspended," Capalla said. But the same Church law, he said, also states that in order for the person to be forgiven and restored to the priestly ministry, there are steps and procedures to be followed aside from humble repentance and separation. "I was informed when I came to Davao to succeed Archbishop Antonio Mabutas that the repentant Fr. Lamata had complied with the prescribed requirements of law which took him several years. After the prescribed period, he returned to Davao and was reinstated into the priestly ministry," said Capalla. "Since that time, like a wounded healer Fr. Lamata has been a dedicated and energetic priest and pastor, well-loved and respected by many people, especially his parishioners and friends, even from among the Muslims and Protestants," added the Davao prelate. Capalla issued the statement following Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's revelation last Sunday in his TV program about Lamata's marriage. Archbishop Capalla, however, appealed to the people not to take advantage of the incident. "I would like to appeal for compassionate reconciliation, that is, to forgive and receive forgiveness. This is being recommended not immediately, but when both are predisposed for this Christian act," he said.
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