Archdiocese of Denver issues alert regarding former cleric with ties to Lakewood parish
- Archdiocese of Denver
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Archdiocese of Denver has issued the following statement addressed to the faithful regarding the public activity of Mr. Andre Mahanna, to alert the community and avoid confusion about his status within the Church. Below is the complete statement:
The Archdiocese of Denver is issuing this public notice to warn the faithful in Colorado about Mr. Andre Mahanna. He was dismissed from the clerical state by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles due to financial impropriety and may no longer act or present himself validly as a Catholic priest.
Mr. Mahanna was formerly associated with St. Rafka Maronite Church in Lakewood. He has no faculties and is not authorized to celebrate sacraments, preach, bless, or represent himself as a cleric in any setting. Catholics and members of the public should not engage in any invalid sacraments he is attempting nor give him money or support fundraising efforts connected to him.
Mr. Mahanna is connected to the “Mission of Hope and Mercy” (missionofhopeandmercy.org). Although it is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it is not recognized as a Catholic organization and is not authorized to solicit funds or participate in ministry within the Archdiocese of Denver. Neither Mr. Mahanna nor this nonprofit may take part in parish life, ministry, or fundraising in any Catholic setting within the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese asks Catholics to take this warning seriously and avoid any involvement that could imply Church approval, including donations, sponsorships, event invitations, or promotion of his activities.
Finally, according to an alert circulated to all U.S. bishops by Bishop Zaidan, Mr. Mahanna has continued to appear publicly in priestly attire and use the title “Father.” The Archdiocese emphasizes that this is not permitted and should not be taken as evidence of priestly status.
