Manila Bulletin
Some priests decline appointment to become bishops because of post's enormous responsibilities – former Manila prelate
Some priests decline appointment to become bishops because of post's enormous responsibilities – former Manila prelate
Some priests decline appointment to become bishops because of post's enormous responsibilities – former Manila prelate
Published Aug 26, 2019 12:06 pm
By Leslie Ann Aquino
Several Filipino Catholic priests have been ordained as bishops this month, and some have already been installed in their respective dioceses.
Retired Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales (WIKIPEDIA / MANILA BULLETIN)
But did you know that there are some priests who refuse to be appointed as bishop?
However, retired Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said that these priests are not that many.
He also explained that the reason why some priests were having either second thoughts accepting the appointment, or just outright refuse, was because they know the "big responsibility" that comes with the position.
"There are those (having second thoughts). Actually, there are priests who refuse. I know, but I cannot divulge," Rosales said.
He said those who came to him for advice refused the appointment because they are convinced that they could not handle the post.
"They know how big the responsibility of a bishop is," said Rosales, who once served as head of the Commission on Clergy of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
When asked if he tried to convince the said priests who approached him to accept the appointment, the cardinal answered negatively.
"You cannot violate their conscience. If they think they cannot do it, I will respect that," Rosales said.
He added: “You can't force them (to accept the position).”
To note, during his ordination at the Manila Cathedral last August 22, Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa admitted feeling inadequate.
"I feel so inadequate because all I know is seminary formation...that's the only ministry I was exposed to. I even asked Bishop (Antonio) Tobias to give me an orientation how to be a bishop," he said.
Gaa even asked the faithful to continue praying for him so he could face all the challenges in his new task.
"I don’t want you to stop praying for me. There are so many challenges ahead but with your prayers, God's guidance...everything will fall into place," he said.
Gaa was formally installed in his diocese Saturday, August 24.
Other bishops who were ordained and installed this month were Iligan Bishop Jose Rapadas, who was ordained August 20 and will be installed next month. Bishop Dennis Villarojo was installed in the Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan, August 21.
Father Midyphil Billones of Iloilo City will also be ordained as auxiliary bishop of Cebu on August 27.
Retired Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales (WIKIPEDIA / MANILA BULLETIN)
But did you know that there are some priests who refuse to be appointed as bishop?
However, retired Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said that these priests are not that many.
He also explained that the reason why some priests were having either second thoughts accepting the appointment, or just outright refuse, was because they know the "big responsibility" that comes with the position.
"There are those (having second thoughts). Actually, there are priests who refuse. I know, but I cannot divulge," Rosales said.
He said those who came to him for advice refused the appointment because they are convinced that they could not handle the post.
"They know how big the responsibility of a bishop is," said Rosales, who once served as head of the Commission on Clergy of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
When asked if he tried to convince the said priests who approached him to accept the appointment, the cardinal answered negatively.
"You cannot violate their conscience. If they think they cannot do it, I will respect that," Rosales said.
He added: “You can't force them (to accept the position).”
To note, during his ordination at the Manila Cathedral last August 22, Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa admitted feeling inadequate.
"I feel so inadequate because all I know is seminary formation...that's the only ministry I was exposed to. I even asked Bishop (Antonio) Tobias to give me an orientation how to be a bishop," he said.
Gaa even asked the faithful to continue praying for him so he could face all the challenges in his new task.
"I don’t want you to stop praying for me. There are so many challenges ahead but with your prayers, God's guidance...everything will fall into place," he said.
Gaa was formally installed in his diocese Saturday, August 24.
Other bishops who were ordained and installed this month were Iligan Bishop Jose Rapadas, who was ordained August 20 and will be installed next month. Bishop Dennis Villarojo was installed in the Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan, August 21.
Father Midyphil Billones of Iloilo City will also be ordained as auxiliary bishop of Cebu on August 27.