Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan

May 15, 2012

Circular 2012-17

RE: Proper Disposal of Sacred Objects

My dear brother priests and religious sisters:

When the use new English translation of the Roman Missal becomes fully effective on the first Sunday of Advent this year, one of the matters to attend to will be the proper disposal of the old Sacramentary.

Once a religious object is blessed and dedicated for divine worship or veneration, it must be treated with reverence and not be used in either an improper or profane way (cf. Code of Canon Law, #1171). This applies to books, vestments, sacramentals and even spoiled Sacred Species.

The old Sacramentary may be burned and returned to the ground. They may also be placed inside the caskets of the Catholic faithful and buried with the mortal remains. Old and tattered vestments including albs and sotanas must be burned likewise and not used as rags. Vessels like chalices and ciboria that cannot be repaired anymore must be melted and reused for sacred vessels again. It is not permitted to sell or give away monstrances, reliquaries and vessels and use them as house decorations. The unused holy oils of last year must be burned or used for the vigil lamps for the Blessed Sacrament. A broken rosary or statue that cannot be repaired anymore must also be buried.

What has been dedicated to God must not be thrown out like any disposable object. They must be treated with respect and reverence always. In all these, the admonition is to always keep in mind the sense of the sacred in a world that seems so engrossed on the mundane. We are sacraments of the presence of God ourselves.

Sincerely yours,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan

May 14, 2012

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Circular 2102-16

RE: Liturgy of the Neo Catechumenal Way

My dear brother priests:

With regard to the questions that our parish priests have raised about the practices of the Neo Catechumenal Way in the celebration of the Eucharist, I have sought the assistance of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Enclosed with this circular is the position of the said Episcopal Commission regarding the matter.

Please take note that the only permission granted to the Way is the transfer of the Rite of the Peace after the Prayer of the Faithful and the reception of Holy Communion under both species either kneeling down or standing up but not sitting down.

Other than these two permissions, the Masses celebrated for the members of the Neo Catechumenal Way must strictly observe the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the other instructions of the Congregation for Divine Worship. In particular, the hosts and wine to be used for the Eucharist must be the same as those used in the dioceses of the Philippines. The lay faithful may be allowed to preach in the church or in oratory outside the Mass (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 161).

I entrust these clarifications to your kind information and faithful observance. Please be assured of my pastoral concern.

Sincerely yours,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan

April 21, 2012

Memorial of Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor

Circular 2012-14

RE: Annual Clergy Retreat

My dear brother priests:

Please be informed that the annual clergy retreat for the diocesan and religious priests ministering in the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan will be held on July 31 to August 4, 2012 at the Betania Retreat House in Tagaytay City. Needless to say, this spiritual formation activity is an obligation imposed on us by the Church and therefore must be fulfilled with utmost diligence and fidelity.

A bus will transport all of us to the retreat venue leaving the Saint John Cathedral in Dagupan City at 7:00 am on July 31. The same bus will bring us back to Pangasinan on August 4 after breakfast.

As you know by experience, annual clergy retreats are also grace filled occasions for strengthening our fraternal communion in our holy vocation. I am sending out this notice ahead of time so that the parish personnel can block off the dates in your book of appointments even now.

Thank you for the steadfast kindness.

Sincerely yours,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan