CEBU, Philippines – Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes led the groundbreaking Saturday of the modern Saint John Mary Vianney Home for the aged and sick priests at the grounds of the St. Joseph Seminary College in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Cortes was assisted by Sister Gloria Ibalio, of the diocese’s Holy Child Hospital, and other priests during the groundbreaking, which was also attended by contractors, seminarians, sponsors, donors and church workers, among others.
Cortes said it was his responsibility as bishop to provide a retirement home for the priests who are aged, sick or incapacitated to fulfill the regular functions and undertake other activities of the clergy serving in the parishes or in other positions.
“For me, I find it rather unfair that these priests are taken away from their families and are unable to serve them in the course of their lifetime, and return them later when they become old or ill,” said the bishop.
Cortes disclosed it would take about a year to prepare the project, which includes an initial 20 rooms to accommodate not only the aged or sick clergy, but also nuns who will take care of them, as well as transient priests staying for a day or two or those wanting to have a retreat or recollection.
Aside from the retirement home for the old and sick priests and even those with disabilities, such as those on wheelchairs, the diocese was also looking at building a cemetery for the clergy in the seminary complex, Cortes said.
“This will also help the priests, whether in active ministry or during illness, to prepare them for eternal life and not to worry about their future as it is a common insecurity with the clergy when they grow old,” said Cortes, as he thanked the generous people for helping the diocese in making this plan a reality.
There are at least eight priests now in the diocese that are sick, getting old and incapacitated, said the bishop, who also explained that his principle for the clergy is that “there is no retirement in the service of the Lord.”
Even if they reach 65, supposedly the age of retirement, but is still capable, then his challenge to the priests is that they still serve at the parishes as residents but with less responsibility and little activity, Cortes said.
The location of the home for the aged and sick priests was also ideal as it is right next door to the seminary, where the seminarians can interact with them, said the bishop, adding that the retirement home will be ran by the religious group although he will still look for a congregation of nuns to take such responsibility.