Pope Francis has appointed three Filipino priests as "missionaries of mercy," according to a report posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.
The new appointees are all from the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, namely: Fr. Jhoen Buenaventura, Fr. Joseph Quicho and Fr. Jesus Navoa.
They will be receiving instructions and communications by the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization (PCPNE), which is headed by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
The appointment of "missionaries of mercy" began in 2016, which was declared Jubilee Year of Mercy in which Pope Francis chooses his special ambassadors to different countries.
About 1,000 priests are given the faculties to absolve some sins that are usually reserved for the Holy See. They are also sent out to preach, lead spiritual retreats, and hear confessions in their respective dioceses or in dioceses where they may be invited to serve.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the appointment was a “grace from God” and a “gift” of the pope to the diocese and to the Philippine Church.
“We are very grateful and this is for the good of all. With our words and works we must speak and show God’s mercy,” he said. -- BAP, GMA News
