Parish priests in the Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur have been granted a special faculty to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for the purpose of marriage until December.
In a circular dated January 26, Archbishop Rolando Tirona of Caceres said the current situation under the pandemic requires “prudent action” to contribute in efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“For this reason, by virtue of Canon 882, I hereby delegate all parish priests to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for wedding purposes only scheduled until December 2021 within the archdiocese,” read the prelate’s letter.
He said the special delegation, which cannot be sub-delegated, is valid until Dec. 31, 2021, or except earlier revoked.
The Sacrament of Confirmation may be administered in the place of marriage or in the parish domicile or quasi-domicile of the confirmand.
“Parishes shall strictly observe the Archdiocesan Arancel and Policies as well as the customary precepts,” said the bishop, adding that any abuse is subject for revocation of the special grant.
Canon 882 of the Catholic Church states that “the ordinary minister of confirmation is a bishop.”
“A priest can also validly confer this sacrament if he has the faculty to do so, either from the general law or by way of a special grant from the competent authority,” it added.
