2 Manila Catholic priest banned from saying mass

Anthony Vargas

MANILA, Philippines – The Roman Catholic church in Manila on Thursday banned two priests from performing religious activities for allegedly violating church rules.

A circular from the archdiocese of Manila said Fr. Romeo Tena of the Society of African Missions was banned from saying mass for allegedly celebrating the Sacraments and soliciting donations without the permission of his order.

Fr. Rufino Sescon, chancellor of the archdiocese, said Tena had reportedly been celebrating mass and collecting money without authority at Manila’s Port Area. “We wish to inform you that Father Tena has no permission from his society to celebrate the Sacraments,” Sescon said in the circular.

Sescon said the warning was issued on the request of Tena’s superiors, who asked that the priest not be allowed to say mass, although they gave no reason.

In the diocese of Parañaque, church officials also barred Father Renato Frias from saying mass for allegedly defying “numerous warnings” from Bishop Jesse Mercado against practicing exorcism, Fr. Benjamin Molina Jr., diocesan chancellor, said.

Aside from exorcism, Molina said Frias also asked for donations and celebrated mass in private venues without the knowledge or permission of the parish priest.