A CEBUANO priest has been granted the honorific rank of “Chaplain of His Holiness,” by Pope Francis. That makes him a member of the papal household.

Msgr. Jan Thomas Limchua, 36, made the announcement on his Facebook post on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020.

“While I give thanks to the Almighty and to His Holiness for such a privileged honor bestowed upon me, my family, and the Archdiocese of Cebu, I graciously ask for your continued prayers as I, with my own limitations, commit myself more deeply to serve the Church with joy, humility, and generosity,” he said.

Although the honorific name “monsignor” is given to bishops, it can also be given to non-bishops who have important roles and duties like Limchua, said Msgr. Joseph Tan, Archdiocese of Cebu spokesman.

Tan said Limchua has been with the diplomatic service of the Holy See for the last eight years.

Limchua finished his theological studies at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre in Spain.

He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Cebu in 2010. He earned his doctorate in Canon Law in Rome, Italy and had diplomatic formation at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy also in Rome.

Since entering diplomatic service, Limchua has served in Benin, Togo and Egypt.

On behalf of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and all the priests and the religious, Tan extended his congratulations and prayers to Limchua.

“This is a symbol that he has serve in the pleasure of the Holy Father and of the entire Church),” he said in Cebuano. (WBS)