(Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Manila - Office of Communications)
MANILA – The Archdiocese of Manila has designated a three-member panel to oversee the operations of the St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin in Tondo district.
In a statement Thursday, Manila archdiocese chancellor Fr. Isidro Marinay said Rev. Fr. Alfonso Valeza has been relieved from his post as the parish's parochial administrator effective June 3.
"Because of his persistent defiance to the Archbishop of Manila despite orders and warnings, Fr. Valeza is likewise suspended from exercising priestly faculties effective 5 June 2024. He is therefore prohibited from administering the sacraments. Any sacrament he administers is illicit," Marinay said.
The archdiocese, meanwhile, named Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Fr. Nolan Que, and Fr. Gilbert Kabigting as the panel's members tasked to oversee the parish.
Marinay also appealed to the parishioners to respect the decision of the archdiocese.
"We exhort the lay faithful of St. Joseph Parish to abide by this decision and cooperate with the parish administration team," he said.
Reports said Valeza was engaged in a scuffle with retired Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias inside the St. Joseph Parish office, which purportedly stemmed from Valeza's ouster from his post. (PNA)
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