Minglanilla faithful buck reports of erring parish priest

LAY ministers and churchgoers in a Minglanilla parish were demoralized over reports that one of their priests was allegedly involved in sexual relations with two young women in their town.

They voiced their sentiments even as Msgr Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar of the Cebu Archdiocese, said the parishioners who made the complaint should have addressed it to the Church and not through media.

“They should have directly reported it to the moderator, not the media,” Binghay said.

One of the lay ministers who requested anonymity said they still respect the priests even if one of their own engaged in immoral behavior.

A 16-year old fourth year high school student, Emmanuel Nadela, said such reports won’t discourage him and fellow youths from attending Mass in the parish.

He said the priests are only human who commit mistakes.

The complaints of the parishioners were made during a local radio program last Friday morning.

Binghay said erring priests will be summoned by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who will decide on their fate.

A team headed by Fr Scipio Deligero, a moderator of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, will investigate the complaint.

“Their official report was already received by the Archbishop, it didn’t come through me. They may be afraid of a cover-up,” Binghay said.

Since the parish is a team ministry, the one responsible for the affairs of the church would be the team moderator, he said.

“I can only follow-up in the status of the ministry. If they ask for my help, I will intervene,” Binghay said.

Binghay said based on the reports of the team moderator, the erring priest may face suspension, receive a warning or will be moved to other parish as well as dismissal.

Binghay said such incidents should not affect the Cebuano flock, whom he urged to remain in their faith to God.

“Those who are strong will remain strong and they will remain more militant to fight for their faith,” he said. Reporters Candeze R. Mongaya and Correspondent Fe Marie Dumaboc