What Happens When a Priest or Nun Leaves Their Religious Vocation in the Catholic Church

When a nun or priest leaves their religious vocation in the Catholic Church, their journey often resembles that of any other layperson. They begin to live lives very similar to those without religious vows. They seek employment, establish residences, and pursue personal and professional goals, including marriage if they choose.

Leaving as a Nun

A nun who leaves her religious order faces a new chapter in life. She may choose to remain single or get married. Upon leaving her religious life, she no longer serves in a religious capacity and is considered a layperson. This trajectory often involves:

Securing employment Living independently Participating in church services as a guest Possibly getting married and raising a family

Leaving as a Priest

A priest, once ordained, remains a priest for life. Should he leave the religious order, he is no longer considered a priest in the eyes of the Church. This decision can be made for various reasons:

Personal reasons Disagreement with Church teachings External pressures, such as those from church management

For those priests who have taken their final vows, they are no longer bound by those vows as they were never meant to be. However, a priest who has been laicised (referred to as 'levelling off' in some Catholic contexts) is no longer permitted to exercise priestly functions. They:

Cannot hear confessions or celebrate Mass Cannot use titles such as 'Father' Are not allowed to get married if they were previously celibate

There are, however, rare exceptions. A laicised priest may still hear the confession of a dying penitent if a priest with the necessary faculties is not available. This is often seen as a act of compassion and pastoral care.

Examples of Leaving in Kerala

In the state of Kerala, India, there are instances where nuns and priests leave the Church. Some reasons include:

Ethical considerations Desire for marriage

One notable case involves a priest and nun who were both working as teachers in a Catholic school. The school administration tried to force them out, leading to a situation where the man was reportedly dragged in a corridor by students instigated by the administration.

Similar cases can be found in other parts of the world, highlighting the complex emotions and personal or professional reasons behind such decisions.