Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Antalan: Convention of married Catholic priests By Roger P. Antalan Dateline: IGaCoS
WITHOUT much fanfare but with a firm purpose and a convivial atmosphere of a family gathering, the Philippine Federation of Married Catholic Priests, Inc. (PFMCPI) are meeting for its 11th National Convention at the Center Healing Garden, DMC Compound, Bajada, Davao City, May 1-3, 2008.
The incumbent president (for two terms now) of PFCMPI is Mr. Orlando P. Carvajal, president of the SunStar publications. The host organization is Paris, Inc., acronym for Partnership, Accompaniment for Renewal, Integrity and Service, a group of married priests in Davao City and the outlaying provinces. The president is Mr. Raymundo I. Honor, a consultant of Vitarich and other companies.
This is the theme of the National Convention: Witnessing the Compassionate Christ in our Communities. Invited to be the guest of honor is the noted author and speaker, Karl Gaspar, a Redemptorist brother, who will share his thoughts on the theme of the convention.
Expected to attend are around two hundred married priests, their wives and children form all over the country. The latest rough estimate of priests who left the ministry would be around 2,200, about one fourth of the total number of the Philippine clergy. The PFMCPI is mostly composed of diocesan priests. Those who left, specifically from the religious orders, have their own groups. Others just don't bother to organize as they move into their private lives and other professions.
"Once a priest, always a priest." This saying still holds true with most of the former ministers of the church. At present, however, as married priests they are not accepted as part of the clergy. We are told that recently a group of 15 bishops have started to look into the possibility of linkages with the married priests. In the meantime, the married priests cannot ignore their previous training and calling.
The Philippine Federation had its beginnings in the early 70s when different small groups started to meet for camaraderie and mutual support. Many found it hard to switch from the comfort of priestly work to the rough and tumble of the private world with a family to support.
In the late 80's and early 90's, the different local groups agreed to move forward and search as a group for the unofficial but meaningful ministries. The PFMCPI was formed and formally organized. This is the vision of the federation. " A community of married priests, their wives and children which is human yet deeply rooted in Christ; who are exercising their ministry in a new way in the family and in the community; continue to journey toward the kingdom of God, strengthened by Faith, full of Hope, and abounding in Christ."
The mission is to proclaim "God's Plan of Salvation in whatever profession or work we are in. To lead every community where we belong by living a fuller Christian life, to practice caring and sharing and give concrete form to camaraderie."
On an individual basis, many former priests have done work with their parish priests as valuable partners and consultants. A big number have been hired by the LGUs and are a permanent fixture at the City Hall. Others have succeeded in seeking elective positions. To mention a few: Joe falcon and Joe Madangit are provincial board members of South Cotabato. Three mayors - Roger P. Antalan, a three - termer of the Island Garden City of Samal; Gerry Dela Cerna, former mayor of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental, and Jun Evasco, incumbent mayor of Maribojoc, Bohol. A big group have become successful businessmen, and others have gone up the ladder in the corporate world.
There are now 13 local groups and chapters that belong to the Federation. The Federation is placed under the patronage of the Holy Family. It is affiliated with the International Federation of Married Catholic Priests and is open to linkages with national groups of other countries.
The PFCMPI, small though it is, can be a potent force for development and progress with its reservoir of unique expertise and well-meaning personalities.
The slogan of the federation says it all, which signifies the group's desire to make Christ's love the centerpiece of Christian living: "And the Greatest is Love."
