A bishop from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a warning to Catholic faithful against individuals who are unlawfully taking on priestly roles and performing sacraments without proper ordination.
In a circular issued June 25, Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus expressed serious concern over what he described as “grave irregularities” within the diocese.
In a circular, it said that there are people who have been carrying out important Catholic liturgical ceremonies—such as baptism, the Eucharist, marriage, and blessings—without having the proper ordination as priests.
Citing Church law, Evangelista pointed out that sacraments and liturgical ceremonies performed by those who are not authorized are “not just illicit but also invalid.”
He called on parishes, local government units, schools, funeral homes, businesses, and other organizations to stay alert and make sure that only properly ordained clergy are the ones performing these sacred ceremonies.
“To avoid these incidents, it is best to visit the nearest Catholic parish office for appointments, schedules, and further inquiries,” he added.
The Imus diocese covers the entire province of Cavite and is home to over 3.5 million Catholics in over 85 parishes.
The faithful are encouraged to report suspicious activity to diocesan authorities to help preserve the integrity of the sacraments and safeguard the community’s spiritual well-being.
