A Filipino Franciscan priest is taking on a "top role" at the Order of Friars Minor's (OFM) general curia, the administrative center of the congregation located in Rome.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced on May 7 that Fr. Joel Sulse departed for Rome, following his recent appointment as the new general oeconomus, or general bursar, of the OFM.
The CBCP explained that Sulse's role as a bursar is to oversee the financial management of the entire OFM, one of the main Catholic orders tracing its roots to St. Francis of Assisi.
Meanwhile, a send-off Mass for Sulse was presided over by Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado. The Mass took place on May 5 at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.
During the send-off mass, Redoblado asked the faithful in his homily to pray for Sulse as he takes on his "very unique kind of mission."
“He is going to be the general treasurer of the Order,” Redoblado said.
“We bring our wishes and prayers as you serve the Order and the whole Church,” Redoblado added, referring to Sulse.
Previous assignment
Before the OFM announced Sulce's new role as the general oeconomus in April, his previous assignment was at the St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Malabon City.
Sulse also served as the Secretary for Formation and Studies and chairperson of the Committee on Promotions for Clerical Ministry of the OFM in the country.
Furthermore, CBCP noted that Sulse will formally assume his new role in August.