Church probes Leyte’s Vietnamese bishop

THE Diocese of Maasin in Southern Leyte had vowed to take “necessary steps” in a bid to shed light on the issue surrounding the illicit ordination of a Vietnamese to the priesthood, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Maasin Bishop Prescioso Cantillas said the diocese will help the CBCP in its probe regarding the ordination of Father John Baptist Ho Huu Hoa.

Hoa was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Sept. 8, 2022, at Visitation Church, Lintaon Peak, and subsequently, to the Sacred Order of Priests on Dec. 7, 2022, in the Diocese of Maasin, for the Diocese of Vinh, Vietnam.

Hoa was earlier jailed for bribery in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2019. He was released from temporary detention in November 2021 in the diocese of Maasin City.

“The current stir regarding this matter is truly unfortunate and upsetting. We are now taking the necessary steps and procedures which will hopefully aid all concerned to be enlightened, and so issues will be clarified,” Cantillas said in a statement late Friday.

“Also, we entrust the situation to the proper authority to decide on the veracity of the documents forwarded to our office,” he said. “May the Light of Christ direct our actions, so we may find the truth.”

The bishop’s assurance stemmed from a news article on Ucanews. com questioning the worthiness of the priest.

Ucanews.com said Bishop Alfonse Nguyen Huu Long of the Diocese of Vinh in Central Vietnam had disowned Hoa, who is reportedly not known to have undergone regular seminary formation.

However, Cantillas claimed they followed the usual canonical procedures, especially the presentation of the necessary “dimissory letter” stamped with the seal of the bishop, signed by Bishop Alphonse Nguyen Huu Long and attested by his chancellor, Fr. Gerardo Nguyen Nam Viet, Chancellor.

“Furthermore, this is supported by documents, such as letters of endorsement and recommendation, certifications and credentials, and even letters of gratitude,” Cantillas said.

The CBCP said the canonical document was sent by a bishop or religious superior testifying that an individual is suitable to be ordained by another bishop.

Cantillas said that the ordination was done “in good faith.”

He also revealed receiving a letter from retired bishop Paul Nguyen Thai Hop of Ha Tinh and former bishop of Vinh, “which introduced the matter to our office and the reason for the request.”

After the ordination, Cantillas said that the Vinh diocese’s chancellor, and a Vietnamese deacon acting as translator, sought an audience with them on Hoa’s petition for incardination to the Maasin diocese.

Hoa was formally promoted to the Diocese of Maasin on Jan. 15, 2023, but the bishop assured that the required canonical procedure was followed.

Bishop Alphonso Nguyen Huu Long of Vinh Diocese in Vietnam claimed he had no connection with Hoa’s ordination as a priest in the Philippines.