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Philippine archbishop goes undercover to check on parishes

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa plays detective to see how parishes deal with the poor
Philippine archbishop goes undercover to check on parishes

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera during his installation Mass as head of Lipa Archdiocese in the Philippine province of Batangas on April 21. (Photo by Roy Lagarde)

Published: May 24, 2017 03:43 AM GMT
Updated: May 24, 2017 04:04 AM GMT

A Catholic archbishop in one of the Philippines' largest archdioceses went undercover to personally look into how parishes in his territory deal with the poor. 

Weeks before assuming his post as the new prelate of Lipa, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera disguised himself as a farmer and visited parish offices.

The archbishop went to great lengths to make sure he wasn't recognized, even wearing dirty and ragged clothes.

"I wanted to know how [parish] secretaries are dealing with the poor," said the prelate. "I went into their offices and I know what is happening there," he added.

The archbishop said he was satisfied by what he saw, but added that some offices continue to face challenges in serving people.

To address issues in his archdiocese, Archbishop Garcera is conducting a survey "to better understand and meet the spiritual needs" of people, especially the youth.

He said the study will involve the clergy and lay people from the archdiocese's 64 parishes and 40 church-run schools.

"I want to reflect on one question: What are you doing to shape the minds and consciences of our young people today," said the prelate.

He said the result of the survey "will help us shape how we could continue to find ways to meet the needs of our people."

The 58-year-old archbishop said he wants to make sure that everyone in his archdiocese finds a home and place in the Catholic Church. 

Archbishop Garcera was appointed by Pope Francis in February as prelate of Lipa from being bishop of the Diocese of Daet.

He was installed archbishop of Lipa on April 21, succeeding retired Archbishop Ramon Arguelles.

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