Belgian priest's obituary mistakenly mentions wife and children, causing confusion

The recent obituary of Father Marcel Kuppens, a prominent figure in Genk, Belgium, has caused a stir within the Hasselt diocese. The announcement of his passing at age 81 included a surprising detail: "He leaves behind a loving wife, children, and grandchildren." This statement, published in a death notice, directly contradicted the celibacy vow expected of Catholic priests.

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He leaves behind a loving wife, children, and grandchildren

The diocese confirmed its own surprise at the wording. "As a diocese, we are also surprised that the obituary mentions a loving wife and was written in this way," said spokesperson Jente Vandewijer. However, the diocese offered an explanation, suggesting the children and grandchildren mentioned were not the priest's biological family. "Reverend Kuppens had spoken to us in the past about his friendly relationship with Liesbeth, herself a widow, with whom he lived. This therefore concerns her children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. He always described her as a friend. But, for the rest, the diocese was not aware of the situation."

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As a diocese, we are also surprised that the obituary mentions a loving wife and was written in this way

While the Church theoretically permits priests to live with partners as long as the celibacy vow is maintained, the specific phrasing in Kuppens' obituary has highlighted ongoing debates. "When priests maintain friendships or live, for example, in shared accommodation like brother and sister, the diocese has no objection," Vandewijer noted. The incident also comes amid broader discussions about the commitment to celibacy, with some questioning its continued relevance for clergy.

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The Reverend Kuppens had spoken to us in the past about his friendly relationship with Liesbeth, herself a widow, with whom he lived. This therefore concerns her children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. He always described her as a friend. But, for the rest, the diocese was not aware of the situation.