Prelature of Infanta: Why not a diocese
Editor's Note: Below is another email exchange between Ambassador Arizala and his diplomatic friends. This time it's with Ambassador Juan Ona, whose inquiry and suggestion might be timely. We will await response from tthe Prelature of Infanta.
Dear Ka Johnny:
In your email msg about Infanta and the book "Labong ng Kawayan", you wrote:
"Dear Ka Rudy,
"Thanks a lot. Your piece made me recall the launching of your book Labong ng Kawayan, which I had the privilege of witnessing. I hope that the assistance of the overseas Infantahins continue to pour on your town. The positive results of that assistance were so palpable at the book-launching.
"The Carmelites continue to wield a big influence on your town. Another Carmelite in the person of Bishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona replaced Bishop Julio K. Labayen. Is he doing good? I wonder why Infanta has not yet been elevated from Prelature to Diocese. Is it because it cannot yet support itself in terms of finance and ecclesiastical personnel? Like a mission country, does it have to depend on external assistance?
"Perhaps you could consult with other Infantahins. If you think Infanta can be self-supporting, then perhaps it is time to ask the Holy See to make Infanta a full-pledged diocese."
Ka Johnny, thanks for your comments above. I will make inquiries if the Prelatura of Infanta could now be self-supporting so that it may qualify to be converted into a full-pledged diocese.
Perhaps, my good friend Rev. Fr. Francis could comment whether the Prelatura of Infanta could be self-supporting.
If not yet, perhaps, Ms. Mila Glodva, President of Metro Intanta Foundation might be able to make suggestions how the church or Prelatura of Infanta could be made self-supporting financially. I understand, the church in Gen. Nakar, Quezon through the advice of Mila Glodava has adopted a method whereby it is already self-supporting financially. If it could be done in Gen. Nakar, why not in Infanta?
Thank you again, Ka Johnny and best wishes.
Rudy A.
P.S.
Perhaps, you and Amba Jose Lino could give us pointers or advice on the mechanics or steps to take once it is ascertained that the Prelatura of Infanta could be self-supporting. Rudy A.