Leyte archbishop to priests: ‘We share Christ’s priesthood’
Palo Archbishop John F. Du leads priests as they enter the Palo Cathedral for Chrism Mass and renewal of priestly vows. The prelate is flanked by by Vicar General Msgr. Lito Maraya (right) and Fr. Virgilio Manaog (left), vicar general for clergy. NESTOR ABREMATEA
By Nestor Abrematea
March 30, 2018
PALO, LEYTE
Palo Archbishop John F. Du reminded the priests of his diocese that they all share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
“All of us share the priesthood of Christ and he is our chief priest,” said the prelate, who presided over Chrism Mass and the renewal of priestly vows, at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, morning of Maundy Thursday.
Du said, as priests, they are to minister to the “spiritual needs” of their flock.
He also expressed gratitude for being able to preside over the Chrism Mass and renewal of priestly vows for the past six years as Archbishop of Palo.
During the Mass, Du recognized Fr. Roy Cuayzon for half a century of priestly ministry, while several priests, led by Monsignor Lito Maraya, were honored for 25 years of service to the Church.
The prelate also took the opportunity to explain that the priests’ standard monthly living allowance helps them practice “the value of sharing.”
According to Fr. Gilbert Urbina, Palo Cathedral rector, 163 priests attended the Chrism Mass and renewal of vows.
He said the number represents 99 percent of the priests of the archdiocese.
