(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 25 - A former priest has fulfilled his wish of marrying his partner in church, six years after quitting the clergy to be with the woman he loves.
    Achille Melegari, 63, and Gerardina Bellassai, 62, were already married in the eyes of the law after tying the knot at a civil ceremony, but not in the eyes of God.
    That situation has been rectified after Melegari obtained a dispensation from the Holy See, following some 30 years of ministry in various parishes in Emilia Romagna, and Bellassai had a previous marriage annulled, Qn-il Resto del Carlino reported.
    As a result they were able to wed in a religious ceremony at the church of the Oratorio Madonna della Neve at Cavola di Toano in the Apennines.
    The couple met in a parish church when Melegari was still a priest and Bellassai was the coordinator of the Reggio Emilia City Angels, a group of volunteers that help the homeless, migrants, drug addicts and prostitutes.
    "We have finally crowned our dream of getting married in church," they said "Despite the spite directed at us, we are believers and Catholics. Love triumphs always". (ANSA).