MANILA, Oct. 30, 2012— As millions of people are expected to troop to cemeteries this All Saints’ Day, a Catholic bishop has warned the public against “fake priests” asking for donations after blessing tombs.
Bishop Leonardo Medroso
Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran said that with the increasing need for Church services during “Undas”, some people find ways to make a lucrative living by pretending as priests.
The bishop said that some bogus priests roam cemeteries to seek money in exchange for their services.
“Don’t be deceived by people who immediately present themselves to bless the grave pretending that they are priests… unless of course if you know them,” Medroso said.
According to him, offering prayers and blessings for the dead should not be used as means to earn money.
To make sure a person is truly a priest, the prelate said the public should ask the person to show his “celebret” that would allow him to administer the sacraments.
A “celebret” is a testimonial given to a priest when traveling that he is in good standing, with the accompanying request that he be permitted to hold Mass and other sacraments. (RL/CBCPNews)
