New Members of the Presbyteral Council Elected

The clergy of the Archdiocese of Lipa has elected among themselves members of the Presbyteral Council. The election took place at Betania Retreat House in Tagaytay City on August 31, 2017, the last day of the Clergy Annual Retreat. As willed by the Archbishop, the entire clergy was divided into eight (8) age groups. From each of the age group, one is elected to represent that particular age group so that the entire clergy from young to old are represented.

The elected clerics to serve a two-year term are the following:

1. Fr. Ernesto Mandanas, Jr.
2. Fr. Virgilio Hernandez
3. Fr. Richard Panganiban
4. Fr. Joseph Mendoza
5. Fr. Roy Macatangay
6. Fr. Nemer Chua
7. Fr. Eugene Hechanova
8. Fr. Arnel de Villa

Archbishop Garcera explaining the process of the election

Archdiocese of Lipa embraces the Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra

The Archdiocese of Lipa in the Philippines has officially recognized the presence of the  Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra. The MSP, whose local superior is Rev. Fr. Juan Jose Juarez Perez, came to the Archdiocese of Lipa in May 2014 and established a community in Taysan, Batangas. From then on, the MSP, whose charism is to preach the Word of God, has been assisting different parish communities in the Archdiocese particularly at San Roque Parish in Tingloy Island, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Taysan, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Dagatan and San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa. 

The Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra is also appointed in-charge of the Biblical Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Lipa. They are also given blanket permission to do apostolate in/to offer assistance to any parish in the Archdiocese of Lipa. They are likewise allowed to promote their congregation and its charism and invite young men to join their congregation in the entire territorial jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Lipa.

Fr. Juan Jose (right) and companion
photo courtesy of http://reportemsp.blogspot.com/2012/10/

SEPTEMBER 12 in Lipa is a GO

September 12 is a special day for Marian devotees in Lipa and elsewhere. Every year, the clergy, religious and lay faithful gather at the Carmel Monastery in Lipa City to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year, the Confraternity of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace headed by its president Dr. Robert Magsino, M.D., will spearhead the Marian gathering.

In a letter dated August 30, 2017, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera gave his permission to continue the September 8 Marian gathering but with some reminders and instructions. The five (5) points in the letter are listed verbatim below, to wit:     

1.  As early as now, I welcome to the Archdiocese of Lipa all the pilgrims from elsewhere. I also welcome the Most Reverend Guillermo V. Afable, Bishop of Digos and Most Reverend Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, Bishop of Kidapawan, who have expressed their intention to grace the event. 

2.  Since we cannot separate the Blessed Virgin Mary from her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, I hereby approve the confraternity’s request to celebrate the Eucharist. 

3.  I have instructed the Ministry on Liturgy of the Archdiocese of Lipa to prepare the missal proper for the September 12 Eucharistic celebration. 

4.   To avoid confusion among our faithful, may I enjoin you to ensure that the celebration encourage obedience to the Holy See with respect to her decision regarding the alleged apparition.

5.  In imitation of the virtue and example of Our Lady, may I suggest that the activities on that day be simple. 

The letter of permission of Archbishop Gilbert Garcera to Dr. Robert Magsino.