Tondo, Paranaque priests banned

Two priests banned from celebrating Mass



Published Date: August 18, 2010 (from Union of Catholic Asian News Newsletter)


Two clergymen have been banned from celebrating the Eucharist and collecting money in the Philippines.

Two dioceses in the Manila region have issued a statement warning Catholics of two priests who have been celebrating Mass and collecting money without permission.


Father Rufino Sescon, Manila archdiocese’s chancellor, said Father Romeo “Jun” Tena, of the Society of African Missions, has reportedly been celebrating Mass and collecting money at Manila’s Port Area.


“We wish to inform you that Father Tena has no permission from his society to celebrate the Sacraments,” Father Sescon said in a letter circulated in the archdiocese.


He said Father Tena’s superiors have requested that the priest not be permitted to celebrate the Sacraments in the archdiocese but have refrained from stating any reason for the request.


In a similar development, Father Benjamin D. Molina Jr., chancellor of Paranaque diocese also issued a circular announcing that Father Renato Frias has been prohibited from celebrating Mass.


The chancellor said Father Frias did not heed the “numerous warnings” prohibiting him from practicing exorcism, receiving donations and celebrating the Eucharist in private venues without the permission of the parish priest.


He said Bishop Jesse Mercado of Paranaque decided to issue the circular after receiving reports that Father Frias ignored the warnings.