Pope Francis named two more Filipino priests as “missionaries of mercy” this week.
The pope has given Fathers Prospero Tenorio and Nap Baltazar, both from the Diocese of Malolos, the special authority to pardon sins that carry penalties that only the Vatican can lift.
The appointments were made in the Vatican on March 30 but the priests received the news only last week.
Father Tenorio is currently rector of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Bulacan’s Marilao town and spiritual director of Divine Mercy in the Philippines.
“For us to transcend the mercy of God to the faithful, we really need to always think of mercy, speak of mercy, and always do acts of mercy,” said the priest.
Father Baltazar, meanwhile, is parish priest of Nuestra Seniora de Lourdes in Bulacan.
“To be merciful is to be joyful. The mercy of God gives joy,” said the priest.
Pope Francis has also appointed earlier four Filipino priests from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan as “missionaries of mercy.”
Named to the new mission to spread the works of mercy are priests Allan Morris Abuan, Danille Chad Pecson, Matt Jason Molina, and Roy Joel Rosal.
Missionaries of mercy are authorized by the Vatican to give presentations, retreats, workshops, and hear Confessions with an emphasis on the scriptural, theological and pastoral dimensions of the mercy of Christ.
