Bishop warns against group of priests not recognized by Catholic Church
Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon has issued a warning against a so-called religious group of priests that is not recognized by the Catholic Church.
Bishop Joel Baylon (Manila Bulletin file photo)
The Church leader said the members of the Missionary Society of Saints Peter and Paul are no longer in the active ministry within the Church and have no permission from legitimate authorities to act in the name and on behalf of the Church. “Any priest who joins this group automatically incurs suspension from his duties as a priest and is therefore prohibited from performing any religious act relative to his priestly duties, such as celebrating Mass and administering the Sacraments,” Bishop Baylon said in a diocesan circular. “Any religious activity performed in the name of the Catholic Church by a priest who joins this Society is therefore invalid and illicit,” he added. The Diocese of Legazpi was informed by reliable sources that the group is planning to conduct what they call an “acceptance rite” for individuals interested in joining their society, including married priests. Bishop Baylon said the circular is meant to avoid confusion among the public, especially those who will be approached by members of the group.
Bishop Joel Baylon (Manila Bulletin file photo)
The Church leader said the members of the Missionary Society of Saints Peter and Paul are no longer in the active ministry within the Church and have no permission from legitimate authorities to act in the name and on behalf of the Church. “Any priest who joins this group automatically incurs suspension from his duties as a priest and is therefore prohibited from performing any religious act relative to his priestly duties, such as celebrating Mass and administering the Sacraments,” Bishop Baylon said in a diocesan circular. “Any religious activity performed in the name of the Catholic Church by a priest who joins this Society is therefore invalid and illicit,” he added. The Diocese of Legazpi was informed by reliable sources that the group is planning to conduct what they call an “acceptance rite” for individuals interested in joining their society, including married priests. Bishop Baylon said the circular is meant to avoid confusion among the public, especially those who will be approached by members of the group.