Special Faculty to administer confirmation granted to Caceres priests

By Myrna Bermudo

All parish priests in the Archdiocese of Caceres were given the special faculty to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for marriage purposes only. “The current situation requires a prudent action in order to contribute in efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country, “explains the circular issued by Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona OCD, DD, on January 26, 2021.

Every Wednesday, Mass Confirmation is held at the Good Shepherd Chapel at the Archbishop’s Residence in Naga City. According to Fr. Darius Romualdo, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Caceres, there is an average of 40 to 50 applicants for confirmation every Wednesday, at the chancery, mostly for marriage purposes.

By virtue of Canon 882, Archbishop Tirona states: “I hereby delegate all parish priests to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for wedding purposes scheduled until December 31, 2021 within the Archdiocese.”

In view of the circular, applicants for the sacrament of marriage who are not confirmed yet, may now apply for confirmation in their respective parishes. “The sacrament of confirmation may be performed in the place of marriage or the parish domicile or quasi-domicile of the confirmand,” Archbishop Tirona said.

Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament demonstrates clearly how it more closely unites those who receive it to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ.(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1312)

The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally administered by the bishop. A priest can 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 competent authority. (Canon 882)

Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona O.C.D.,D.D, Archbishop of Caceres, leads the silent prayer as he prepare to preside the Rite of Confirmation at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus, Co ncepcion Grande, Naga City. This parish church is a favourite among couples for their wedding venue. For marriage purposes, parish priests in Caceres has been given special faculty to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in a circular issued by Archbishop Tirona on January 26, 2021. /mb (St. Jude Thaddeus Parish)