Three more Filipino Catholic priests have been added to the Church’s roster of “missionaries of mercy.”
The new missionaries appointed by Pope Francis are Father Jhoen Buenaventura, Father Joseph Quicho, and Father Jesus Navoa, all from the Diocese of Balanga.
The work of the missionaries was placed under the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization (PCPNE), from which they would receive instructions.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of PCPNE, expressed hope that the ministry of the priests “will bear lasting fruits” in the diocese.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga said the appointment of his priests was a “grace from God” and a “gift” of the pope to the diocese and to the Church in the Philippines.
“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,” said Bishop Santos, who is episcopal coordinator of the Divine Mercy apostolate in Asia.
In 2016, during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis selected more than 1,000 priests from every continent to be his special ambassadors of mercy throughout the world.
He also granted them the faculties to absolve certain sins usually reserved to the Holy See.
After the pope extended the mandate for the missionaries, many dioceses have some of their priests nominated to spread the works of mercy further.
The missionaries are tasked to preach, lead spiritual retreats, and hear confessions in their respective dioceses and may be invited by bishops to other dioceses as well.
