Priesthood Abandoned: Delta Clergyman’s Fight with Loneliness And Mental Health Revealed

Mary Okanatotor, a family member of the suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church, Warri Diocese, has shed light on her brother’s decision to renounce his priestly vows and marry Dora Chichah in Dallas, Texas, on December 29, 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ceremony took place at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, despite the priest not receiving formal release from his canonical obligations by the Universal Church.

In a social media comment reported by Punch, Mary, who identified herself as the biological sister of the suspended priest, defended his decision, calling it the best choice for his well-being. She revealed that Oghenerukevwe struggled with long-term mental health challenges and loneliness in his priestly role, compounded by the absence of physical support from his family during his most difficult moments.

Mary emphasized that the marriage was not conducted in secrecy, as her brother had informed the Diocese of his intentions beforehand.

She wrote:
“Thank you all for the comments. The said priest is my brother, and it was the best decision for him because he struggled with mental health issues for a long time and couldn’t cope with the loneliness.

“We, his family members, were not physically present to support him. Thank you for your encouraging words.

“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.

“Secondly, he did not have a secret wedding; he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.

“Once again, thank you. To the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.”