MANILA -- “Healing priest” Fr. Fernando Suarez has been barred anew by a Catholic bishop from doing religious activities in his diocese.
Malaybalay Bishop Jose Cabantan noted the Catholic priest has been conducting healing activities without the necessary permit from the diocese.
“We ask their group to secure a ‘celebret’ or an endorsement from his bishop so we can allow him to celebrate Mass and does healing. But we have not received it,” Cabantan said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website Wednesday.
Canon Law provides that a priest who wishes to celebrate the Eucharist outside of the diocese in which he is incardinated must present an endorsement letter or “celebret” from his local bishop.
The document confirms that the member of the clergy is in good standing from his own diocese or religious affiliation.
Several dioceses upon the order of its bishops have banned Suarez from holding healing masses -- among them are the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and Diocese of Bulacan.
Also, Cabantan warned the clergy and the laypeople of some priests from other sects who are also present in the diocese.
He noted that they are also prohibited to celebrate Mass and other Sacraments in churches under the diocese.
“I am calling all the clergy, religious and our lay faithful to be vigilant and cautious about their presence,” said the Catholic prelate in a Memorandum dated October 7.
“We may always show them the respect that they deserve as persons and fellow Christians but mindful always of the law of the Church concerning the proper minister of the Sacraments,” he added.
Suarez performs faith healing activities in some parts of the country. (PNA)
