Priest sanctioned for joining schismatic group

MANILA, Philippines - An Iligan priest was barred from discharging his duties for joining a schismatic group, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said. The CBCP website said Iligan Bishop Elenito Galido "revoked the faculties" of Fr. Benjamin Juson for joining the Congregacao de Sao Carlos de Brazil. "He is absolutely forbidden to celebrate the sacraments and to conduct celebrations in the churches which are in communion with the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church, particularly here in the Diocese of Iligan," Galido said. Galido said he was saddened that Juson, who was ordained in 1984 and served the diocese until 2000 when he took his leave of absence, has recently publicly and voluntarily, severed his communion with the Roman Catholic Church. He said Juson is now listed in the official directory of the "Congegacao de Sao Carlos de Brazil"as one of its members. "This community is a schismatic group," Galido said. Citing Canon Law 751, he said the Church law defines schism as the withdrawal of submission to the Pope or from communion of the church subject to him. Galido cautioned the faithful to be extra careful in dealing with members of this schismatic congregation and not to be deceived into believing, as they conveniently like to assert but untruthfully, that their group is in communion with the Catholic Church. He added he will continue to pray for Juson and his well-being. Galido thanked him for the years that he generously served in the local Church of Iligan. Also, he encouraged the faithful, religious and clergy to be united and remain in the communion with the Catholic Church, on loyalty and obedience to the Pope. "Let us keep our unity and communion with the true Catholic Church, in loyalty and obedience to the Pope, and always trysting in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our patron St. Michael the archangel," he said. - GMANews.TV