Bishop Suspends Six Priests, Introduces Strict Discipline
The suspensions follow allegations of abuse of ecclesiastical authority, administrative negligence, and the mismanagement of Church property. Announcing the decision during Mass on 12 July, Bishop Joya said he had acted only after receiving credible evidence.
The suspensions affect a significant proportion of the diocese's clergy. Established by St. John Paul II in 2001, the diocese has 15 parishes served by 30 diocesan priests.
Alongside the suspensions, Bishop Joya introduced a series of disciplinary and administrative directives for clergy, including:
- Priests must return to their residences by 7:00 p.m. for evening prayer.
- Priests require the bishop's permission to spend the night away from their residence.
- No lay person may stay overnight in a priest's residence without prior permission.
- Priests may not drink alcohol in bars.
- Priests who are intoxicated may not celebrate Mass.
- Priests may not engage in private businesses unrelated to the Church.
- Priests may not acquire property in the names of relatives without explaining the legitimate source of the funds.
- Priests are forbidden from cohabiting or engaging in intimate relationships.
- Diocesan vehicles may be used only by authorized personnel for official purposes.
- Parishes must maintain transparent financial management.
- Annual budgets and regular audits are required.
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