Philippine bishop says he might file complaint over healing priest

Published: 2008-01-30

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- A Philippine bishop said he is considering filing a formal complaint with a community of priests in Canada against a member he said is conducting healing sessions without following church guidelines. Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos told reporters at a Jan. 28 press conference in Manila that Father Fernando Suarez, a Philippine-born member of the Companions of the Cross who is drawing crowds to his healing vigils, "did not follow the instruction of the (Vatican's) Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith on prayers for healing." In an interview with church-run Radyo Veritas Jan. 30, Father Suarez apologized to Bishop Oliveros and assured the bishop it was a mere oversight. "I did not know that we did not have permission," he said, noting that he understands the bishop's concerns. "Bishop Oliveros is only looking after the welfare of his people," the priest said, adding that he admires the bishop's "sense of responsibility."

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