Palo Archdiocese reshuffle of clergy takes effect

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines — A major reshuffling in clerical duties in the Archdiocese of Palo, an administrative procedure earlier stalled by super typhoon Yolanda and later on by the visit of Pope Francis to Leyte, has finally came to fruition.

Father Chris Arthur Militante, the newly appointed coordinator for Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, said Archbishop John Du already announced the reshuffling in most of the 78 parishes in the archdiocese, a few of which had been done last year.

Militante said the announcement of new assignments was done during the Presbyterium meeting at the Palo Chancery after a Holy Hour led by Du himself.

According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the new assignments will be installed before the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 18.

Father Ric Marpa, chancellor of the Palo Archdiocese, said there are few parish priests and moderators who are vicars forane or with limited jurisdictions in their new assignments.

He said the new assignments included changes in the Board of Consultors, as well as the Archdiocesan Curia, including that of Militante’s.

Militante will also serve as secretary of the Presbyterium meeting, besides acting as secretary of Archbishop Du, a position previously held by Fr. Engelbert “Bongkie” Tiu, who is now a parish priest in St. Anne Parish in Sta. Fe town.  — (FREEMAN)