Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete will announce the new assignments of the diocesan clergy on Holy Tuesday during the Chrism Mass and the renewal of priestly vows.
He said he has forwarded the final list of assignments to Fr. Carmelito Limbaga Jr., vice chancellor of the diocese Monday and he is ready to make the announcement. The decision on the reshuffling is a product of much consultation with the priests, lay leaders of the different parishes, and coupled with a lot of prayers, Cortes said.
Cortes was installed as the fourth prelate of the Diocese of Dumaguete on December 5. His predecessor, then Bishop John Du, was assigned as archbishop of Palo, Leyte, in May 2013.
The reshuffling is long overdue he said. Many of the priests have been holding their present positions for more than six years now.
After his installation, Cortes had said that among his top priorities is the transfer of priests to new assignments.
The new assignments will cover, not just the parishes, with more than 40 for the towns and cities of Negros Oriental, from Jimalalud to Basay, and the province of Siquijor, but also schools, the seminary, the Chancery and other key positions, and various commissions and chaplaincies.
Cortes said he has been meeting with the priests, to tell them of their new assignments.
“There are no surprises as far as the priests are concerned”, he said, adding that it will be just a formal public announcement that he will be making on Holy Tuesday. “I am confident and hopeful that this will really work,” Cortes said.
The Diocese of Dumaguete has about 80 priests, who are expected to be present during the yearly Chrism Mass, a rite for the consecration of the holy oils used to administer certain sacraments and other ecclesiastical functions.
The renewal of vows and commitment made by the priests during their ordination is also usually done at the Chrism Mass during the Holy Week. (PNA)
