Aguascalientes Diocese warns of former priests performing invalid sacraments

The Diocese of Aguascalientes has issued a public warning regarding two former priests who are allegedly continuing to officiate religious services, including masses for weddings, blessings, and funeral celebrations. The Diocese has stated that any sacraments performed by these individuals are invalid.

The two priests in question are Alfredo Cabral Fernández, formerly of the Legionaries of Christ congregation, and Juan Arce Valencia, formerly of the Santísima Trinidad. According to the diocesan spokesperson, Rogelio Pedroza, while the men retain their "character" as priests, the Holy See has "dimitido" them, meaning they have been separated from their priestly functions.

Pedroza clarified that any mass or sacrament performed by these former priests is considered invalid. He likened it to consuming communion wafers bought from a store, emphasizing their lack of spiritual efficacy. This includes funeral masses, which have been prohibited in funeral homes since 2014 according to synodal norms.

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the sacraments they impart are invalid. A mass with them is not valid, nor is the consecration of marriage, nor the first communion, it is as if people were taking wafers (wafers) like those bought in stores.

The Diocese has shared photographs of Cabral Fernández and Arce Valencia, identifying them as former priests. They noted that while some individuals falsely claim to be priests, others have been expelled for serious misconduct. The Diocese is distancing itself from these individuals, who are reportedly continuing their alleged "fraudulent practices" in various locations, including party halls, private homes, and an elderly care home. Cabral Fernández is accused of performing alleged healing and exorcism events, while Arce Valencia reportedly officiates funeral masses.

The Diocese urges the public not to be deceived by individuals who harm people's faith and has received testimony from individuals who have been affected by these former priests' actions.

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Unfortunately, two of them continue to find places where they are allowed to take root and carry out their fraudulent practices.