Thoughts about the Diocesan Clergy Assignments

Parish priests are re-assigned every 5 or 6 years. Unless for health or very special reasons, the outlook, experience and development of a priest will be limited or stunted the longer he stays on one place. The re-assignment will increase his zeal and dedication because he will be facing unknown and new friends, parokyanos, ideas, places and challenges. Leaving old friends, parokyanos, and familiar places you feel is already past of your life is painful but it is accepted as part of the life of a priest. Christ said a bird has a nest, a fox has a cave but he has no place to stay. So it is with our cura parokos. Fortunately, 9 years in the seminary made our priest very conscious about the virtues of humility and obedience. They accept the will of Heaven with joyful anticipation and courage knowing God will be with them. There were only 34 parishes during the last assignments. Today, we have 40, the biggest number of parishes in Mindanao. Please remember that some parishes have the same names like Sacred Heart of Jesus, Calinan and Barrio Obrero, St. Francis of Assisi of Maa, Tagakpan and La Verna, St. Francis Xavier of Tibungco, San Isidro Labrador of Catalunan Grande and Lumondao, Immaculate Conception of Mintal and Peñaplata. 36 parishes have diocesan priest while 4, St. Francis of Tagakpan, Mary Help of Christians of Dacudao, Our Mother of Perpetual Help of Bajada, and Our Lady of Assumption of Torres St., are under different orders.

To the Cura Parokos on their new assignments, Congratulations and God Bless. Sending you there is not a punishment but a recognition of your talents to make things better for the parokyanos.