Two Priests Banned from Holding Mass

MANILA, August 19, 2010-Two Catholic priests based in Manila have been denied the faculty to celebrate the sacraments.

The Archdiocese of Manila, in a circular, warned the faithful Fr. Romeo Tena of the Society of African Missions who has been asking donations without permission.

Fr. Rufino Sescon, Manila archdiocese's chancellor, said Tena has reportedly been celebrating Mass and collecting money at Manila's Port Area.

"We wish to inform you that Father Tena has no permission from his society to celebrate the Sacraments," Sescon said in the circular.

The chancellor said the public warning was issued after Tena's superiors have requested that the priest not be permitted to say Mass in the archdiocese but gave no reason for the refusal.

In Diocese of Parañaque, Church officials also barred Fr. Renato Frias from celebrating the Sacraments.

Fr. Benjamin Molina, Jr., chancellor of Parañaque diocese, said Frias defied "numerous warnings" of Bishop Jesse Mercado prohibiting him from practicing exorcism.

The chancellor said the priest also asked for donations and celebrated Mass in private venues without the knowledge or permission of the parish priest. (CBCPNews)