SAN CARLOS (UCAN): The official recognition the Society of San Pedro Calungsod [SSPC], a lay Catholic religious association in the central Philippines, named for the second Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod (1654-1672), was “suppressed” after an ad experimentum [temporarily allowed] trial period, beginning in 2012, in which it was given an opportunity to establish its charism and mission.
The trial period was intended to ensure that their presence would contribute positively to the holiness of their members and the mission of the diocese, CBCP News reported.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos City in Negros Island of the central Philippines issued a circular ordering the suppression of SSPC on June 10.
“I’m a diocesan priest and bound to obey the bishop, I will not question further,” Father Noel Froilan Maravillas, a leader of the SSPC, said on June 17.
The suppression meant lifting the “official recognition ‘ad experimentum’ of the group,” Bishop Alminaza explained.
The bishop said the group was tasked, among other things, with fulfilling foundational requirements, including developing a written constitution detailing their nature, purpose, spirit, governance, and discipline.
They were also to demonstrate financial viability and the ability to support their members and mission.
Father Maravillas said the group started “to live the charism inspired by the life and example of St. Pedro Calungsod,” but conceded that “we failed to live up to the expectations.”
Bishop Alminaza said, “It has become clear that continuing to recognise the SSPC would not serve the best interests of our faithful or the unity and pastoral care of our diocese,” adding that it is now “prohibited from conducting any activities or presenting itself as a legitimate ecclesiastical entity within the diocese.”
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Father Maravillas admitted that “at first, there were lots of questions, ill feelings” when they learned about the circular. “But it was only a feeling,” he said adding that the diocese has “its own way of looking at us and weighing things according to what they observed, but I am okay.”
He added, “Ad experimentum is only a try but there was nothing to suppress because we were not yet officially approved. It was somewhat like a withdrawal of allowing us to exist and experiment with our charism and way of life.”
However he regretted that the pastoral letter was published on social media and not sent to parishes.
“The impact is quite big. Many from all over the world called me and asked me what had happened and what I had done… We were deeply saddened and hurt,” the priest said.
The SSPC was founded on 25 January 2012, in Boni, in the region of Manila, with just six members and grew to 17 members.
