Davao priest elected to head canon lawyers group

Fr. Junar de la Victoria

About 300 canon lawyers coming from different dioceses in the country converged in Legaspi City last February 13-16, for the Annual Convention of Canon Lawyers Society of the Philippines (CLSP). On February 14, they elected Fr. Junar de la Victoria as their new national president. He is a member of the Archdiocese of Davao clergy and currently sitting as its Judicial Vicar. As president of the Society, he is automatically the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Canon Law. He serves as liaison officer between the Society and CBCP. His two-year term started right after his election last February 14.

Fr. Junar as president also include organizing and coordinating the Society’s next annual convention, and producing the Philippine Canonical Forum Journal. His task will bring him to different regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for meetings and to provide help when needed. There will also be workshops by regions. Twice a year he will be attending CBCP meetings. Depending on the needs of CBCP, trainings for Bishops on new procedures in nullity cases may also be conducted. He will be working closely with CBCP with regards to producing the Manual for new procedures.

Currently, Fr. Junar is the parish priest of the St. Francis of Assisi Quasi Parish in La Verna Hills, Buhangin, a teacher at the Regional Major Seminary (REMASE), SATMI in Redemptorist and a visiting professor for the University of Sto. Tomas, and a volunteer voice-over talent for DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM’s Daily Gospel Reflection segment.