The Archdiocese of Manila has released the new appointments of the clergy of Manila on October 13, 2022.
In a sealed envelope, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula handed to each of the priests of Manila their new assignments after the celebration of the holy Mass held at the Lay Formation Center Chapel in San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex in Guadalupe, Makati City. The Cardinal instructed them to just hold the envelope containing the new assignment, and together they will open it.
“I know that you are all looking forward to our forthcoming transfer of assignments. For many, it is a bittersweet experience. It involves difficult parting because you have learned to love your parishioners who have welcomed you into their homes and lives. But there is also a sense of excitement as you look forward to where the Lord will send you to mission,” the Cardinal said in his homily.
According to Fr. Isidro T. Marinay, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, when Cardinal Advincula took over as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila, he extended the priests’ term in their current assignments after their appointments lapsed last year.
“The reshuffling of assignments of the priests is done in the spirit of discernment and prayer with basis on data,” Fr. Marinay told the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications.
When asked how the Cardinal chose which assignment will be given to which priest, Fr. Marinay explained that the appointments were based on the profile of the priests (age, academic background, pastoral experiences and performance in previous assignments) and on the profile or needs of the parishes/communities they will be assigned.
The Cardinal, Fr. Marinay added, also sent a survey questionnaire to the clergy asking them to give at least three preferred assignments in the order of priority, if given a chance to choose. The survey also asked the incumbent parish priests to give at least three candidates whom they will recommend as their successors.
Before making appointments, the Cardinal also got recommendations from the personnel board (a group of 7 priests elected by the clergy tasked to study the profile of the clergy and the profile of parishes).
Based on these data, Fr. Marinay said, Cardinal Advincula finally put together on his own the appointment of the priests.
The officers of the Archdiocesan Curia is at status quo. Msgr. Jose Clemente F. Igancio still hold the position Vicar General and Moderator Curiae. He was also appointed attached priest at Quiapo Church, the rector and parish priest of which is newly appointed Fr. Rufino Sescon.
Fr. Reginald Malicdem, rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) and spokesperson of the archdiocese, is assigned to Our Lady of Hope Mission Station, Landmark and SM Chapels, Makati. The new rector of Manila Cathedral is Msgr. Rolando dela Cruz, who was formerly assigned at San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco.
The historic EDSA shrine was assigned a rector in the person of Fr. Jerome Secillano who was formerly assigned in Nuestra Senora del Perpetua Socoro in Sampaloc. He retains his position as head of the Public Affairs Ministry.
As the priests received their new assignments, Fr. Marinay pointed out that the reshuffling of priests is intended to invigorate the parishes. It also serves as an invitation for spiritual growth on the part of the priests and the lay faithful
“There will be new possibilities in parishes. There will be renewal because the new pastors will bring new dynamism to their new assignments,” he said.
The new appointments also “prevent the priests from stagnating,” he added.
“Stagnant water smells bad. It is in moving that water is purified. This ‘traslacion’, movement of priests from one parish to another, is a form of purification to prevent us from attachments, from stagnating. We need to be detached to be able to grow spiritually,” he said.
For the complete list of new appointments of the Manila clergy, you may visit the website of the Archdiocese of Manila (www.rcam.org) (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC)
