`Father Oprah' and Wife Welcome Their First Daughter

By Kevin Eckstrom
Religion News Service

The Miami priest once known as "Father Oprah," who joined the Episcopal Church after his breaking his Catholic vow of celibacy, announced the birth of his first child on Thursday (Dec. 2).

"With thanksgiving to God, the giver of all life, my wife and I announce the birth of our beautiful baby daughter Camila Victoria Cutie," the Rev. Alberto Cutie said in a posting on his website,
www.padrealberto.com.

"There is great joy in being a Father, who is also a `father.' We are truly blessed!"

After photographers caught him canoodling on a beach with his future wife, Ruhama Buni Canellis, Cutie left the Catholic Church in May 2009, saying he could no longer live out his vow of celibacy. The couple married weeks later.

Cutie, 41, was ordained an Episcopal priest last May and was appointed priest-in-charge at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Biscayne Park. His memoir, "Dilemma: A Priest's Struggle with Faith and Love," hits stores on Jan. 4.