Sired two sons; announces leaving priesthood
Father in father confession

 MANILLA
A CATHOLIC priest in the Philippines confessed to his flock during Mass that he had sired two children and then announced he was leaving the priesthood.
   A report of Father Oscar Ornopia's sex scandal was carried by the Philippine Daily Inquirer two days after Church leaders issued a public apology for the sexual misconduct and corruption of some clergymen.
   Father Ornopia ditched his normal sermon at the Talamban parish in the central city of Cebu and read out a letter in which he confirmed rumours

he had sired two boys aged six and 11. He told his congregation: "I stand before you not worthy. I leave these garments here on the table."
   Many of the parishioners wept and hugged him after the Mass, telling him they forgave him, the newspaper said.
   Parish pastoral council president Victor Maliluya said Father Ornopia, who took the required vow of celibacy when he entered the priesthood, fell in love with a classmate's cousin during his days in the seminary.
   The affair continued after he was ordained. -- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE