This Sunday, September 1st, the parishioners of Brignoles learned with shock that Father Gerson Peres had resigned. He admitted to an inappropriate relationship with a married woman.
The news gripped the assembly of parishioners who came to attend mass this Sunday, September 1st at the Saint-Sauveur church in Brignoles (Var). Father Gerson Peres resigned from his duties after admitting to an adulterous relationship with a woman he himself had married several months ago, as revealed by Var-Matin.
On site, the vicar general, Father Lionel Dalle, made the trip to read a text by Monsignor François Touvet, coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon.
A married adult woman
“Father Gerson left the parish of Brignoles on Friday, August 23. He presented his resignation to me, which I accepted. He was living in flagrant contradiction with his commitments, particularly that of celibacy.”
Father Lionel, once the reading was finished, elaborated on the subject. “Some already knew it, others are learning it today. Father Gerson was living in an inappropriate relationship with a married adult woman. I learned it a few days ago.”
“I condemn Father Gerson’s attitude and count on everyone to face this ordeal with courage in a spirit of unity and communion,” said Monsignor Rey, bishop of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon.
Mixed reactions
In town this Tuesday, residents shared their disappointment on BFM Toulon Var. “It shocked me, especially with a married woman, so he broke up a couple. He took an oath of chastity when he became a priest, it’s incompatible with his role,” Michel reacted.
Others are more nuanced, like Stéphane. “The first feeling I have is that Father Gerson was transparent since he went to see the bishop to explain his situation.”
After the resignation of the priest, the interim was ensured by the administrator of the Saint-Sauveur church, Father Simon Rebeccaï.
Nordine Ali Said with Florent Bascoul
