Manila Archbishop shuffles posts in archdiocesan commissions, ministries

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has announced the appointments of priests to various commissions and ministries in the archdiocese.

The move, Cardinal Advincula said, is part of the Traslacion Roadmap — a 5-year path for the Archdiocese of Manila is a response to Pope Francis’ call for reform and renewal through continuous synodality, particularly within local churches.

"With the call of Pope Francis to be a synodal church, new doors for mission and ministry are opened. this has led the Archdiocese of Manila to the Traslacion Roadmap and the reorganization of the structure of ministries and offices in our loal Church," he said in Circular 2024-97 dated December 16, 2024.

Fr. Jason H. Laguerta was named Episcopal Vicar for the implementation of the Traslacion Roadmap.

Cardinal Advincula envisions priests taking on a bigger role within the Archdiocese of Manila.

He added that the objective of the program that "every priest of Manila, while lovingly taking care of his parish community, will also be immersed in the synodal shepherding of the whole Archdiocese through its ministries and offices."

The appointments, that are published with the circular, are based on "responses to the Clergy Charism Discernment, the individual clergy profile, and your pastoral experience over the years."

Advincula also said that the synodal consultations showed a "greater participation" of other members of the church, particularly consecrated persons and the lay faithful.

"The next step then is the involvement of consecrated persons and laity in our ministerial system," said the prelate in his letter addressed to all the clergy in Manila.

"Let us synergize our gifts and charisms for the greater glory of God and the build up of the Church. May the Lord who has begun this work in us bring it to fruitful completion. I gladly take this opportunity to assure you of my paternal esteem and prayerful solicitude," he said.

Click here for the list of appointments. — BAP, GMA Integrated News