Lifestyle checks on priests

I was surprised why the “monsignor” reacted when I did not mention his name in my column and radio broadcast

The priest who I exposed in this column last Monday as having “amassed wealth” after he was assigned in Mandaue City is not an ordinary prelate but a ranking official of the Cebu Archdiocese.

On the day my column came out, a man who introduced himself as a monsignor called me through my cellular phone and sought an appointment with me to explain his side. I don’t know how he got my number. Maybe he got it from a common friend in the clergy.

I was surprised why the “monsignor” reacted when I did not mention his name in my column and radio broadcast. Maybe he felt alluded to. I did not accept his invitation because it would be an exercise in futility. What for? If he explains to me how he acquired his wealth, does he want me to name him?

I wrote the article to get the attention of the church hierarchy regarding Church people who amassed wealth through the parishioners’ contributions. I have no intention of putting church officials on the spot or to ridicule the priest. I want him to be investigated and a lifestyle check conducted on him to determine how he acquired his wealth.

I am sure church leaders in Cebu know who I am referring to. He is subject of gossip within the church community. A very reliable source told me he was assigned in various poor parishes in the province prior to his assignment as member of a team ministry.

The priest is a ranking member of the Cebu Archdiocese being in charge of an elite group of bishops. Even other church officials were surprised at how he acquired his wealth when he does not come from a well-to-do family.

Some of the people under him complained about their allowances and snacks. Hatagan lang kuno sila og gagmay nga snacks. He is very strict and if some churchgoers park their vehicles in the parking area reserved for him, he would order his staff to deflate the tires. Tarung nimo na?

I say some church officials are hypocrites. They talk about corruption in government and tell the faithful to live simple and modest lives. Yet they are the ones living comfortable lives at the expense of the parishioners’ contribution. Priests assigned in big parishes live conveniently because they have rich patrons while those in far flung areas just rely on small donations.

Worse, they talk about morality but cannot discipline their ranks. Some priests have girlfriends or “boyfriends” or live-in partners and have children. Some are against illegal and government-sponsored gambling but accepts dole outs from the government.

And what is the church doing? It pampers and protects “sinner priests.” They are still given special and juicy assignments. How many priests have been subject of protests by their parishioners because of their questionable conduct and attitude? Yet the church hierarchy is acting blind and deaf to these complaints.

Maayo pay kitay tawgon og makasasala kay sa kaparian nga angayan himoong modelo. Amen.