Cardinal Advincula joins Congregation for the Clergy; Bishop Socrates Mesiona joins Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
by Margaux Salcedo
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Capiz has received his first Vatican assignment since becoming a cardinal.
Pope Francis on Wednesday, December 16, appointed the Cardinal Advincula to the Congregation for the Clergy. The Congregation for the Clergy is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for overseeing matters regarding priests and deacons not belonging to religious orders.
Cardinal Advincula was appointed with Cardinal Cornelius Sin of Brunei. As members, they will closely work with Italian Cardinal Benjamin Stella, who has been Prefect of the Congregation since 2013.
Advincula and Sim are among the 13 new cardinals appointed by the pope in late November.
Cardinal Jose Fuerte Advincula has been the Archbishop of Capiz since 2011. Prior to being appointed archbishop, he served as Bishop of San Carlos for ten years.
Cardinal Advincula (right) and Bishop Mesiona (left) receive new appointments from the Vatican.
BISHOP SOCRATES MESIONA TO JOIN CARDINAL TAGLE AS MEMBER OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE EVANGELIZATION OF PEOPLES
Meanwhile, another Filipino bishop was also appointed to another Congregation: Bishop Socrates Mesiona returns as member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP is currently Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa.
The appointment was relayed thru a letter by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation, dated November 20, 2020. Based on the appoinment letter, the prelate’s 5-year membership to the congregation in fact started last October 13.
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples is the Vatican department responsible for the spread of the Catholic faith throughout the world through its missionary works and related activities.
Bishop Mesiona had already been a member of the Congregation in the past: from July 14, 2014 until July 14, 2019. “I am humbled and honored to be appointed for a second term as member of the Congregation,” said Bishop Soc Mesiona.
Bishop Mesiona is also currently the Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mission which is in charge of this year’s celebrations for the Year of Missio Ad Gentes.
He is also former National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies and former parish priest of the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Hulo, Mandaluyong City.