Father Francis Lucas named interim executive secretary
Congratulations! to Father Francis on this important appointment! There's no one more deserving than Father Lucas to succeed Father James B. Reuter.
Father Francis served as pastor of St. Mark Parish in Infanta, as president of ICDAI, and president of DWJO Spirit FM in addition to his responsibilities in the world of broadcasting.
We salute Father Francis. Yo made us proud!
Below is the complete article from the CBCP Monitor
Catholic Media Network President named Secretary of CBCP Media Commission
MANILA, June 17, 2009—Catholic Media Network President Fr. Francis Lucas, a veteran broadcaster for the past 35 years was named acting Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media (ECSCMM), succeeding Jesuit missionary James B. Reuter who recently resigned at age 93.
ECSCMM Chair and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortes confirmed Lucas’ appointment in an interview over Radio Veritas.
“Napakabigat ng tungkuling ito, considering the challenges that go with his responsibilities” Bishop Cortes referring to Fr. Lucas’ latest appointment.
The appointment came after consultations with other members of ECSCMM which include Bishops Jacinto A. Jose of Urdaneta, Patricio H. Alo of Mati, Manolo delos Santos of Virac, Jose A. Rojas, Jr. of Libmanan, Romulo T. de la Cruz of Kidapawan and Dinualdo D. Gutierrez of Marbel.
Cortes explained the appointment is still in acting capacity because the ECSCMM members will still meet during the plenary and it would be better for the members to confirm his appointment.
Bishop Cortes said Lucas, as executive secretary, will have the authority to speak for and on behalf of the commission.
An active member of the clergy of the Prelature of Infanta, Lucas also acts President and Dean of the Northern Quezon Cooperative College, serving the tertiary education requirements of northern Quezon residents.
Lucas also co-hosts Veritas Pilipinas over Veritas 846 with Broadcaster Ariel Ayala from 6:00 – 7:30 A.M., Mondays to Fridays.
Lucas is the incumbent President of the Catholic Media Network (CMN) in the Philippines which is the brand name of the Philippine Federations of the Catholic Broadcasters (PFCB); news anchor of the “CMN Veritas Pilipinas” and co-anchor of a weekly media forum under CBCPNews and Catholic Media Network.
Lucas devoted his 35 years in priesthood evangelizing and advocating for environmental, economic and agricultural development through media.
In an interview about his appointment at the “The Forum,” Lucas said that he will follow the footsteps of Fr. James Reuter.
During his watch as Executive Secretary, Lucas wishes to cater to the youth in accordance to the message of Pope Benedict XVI on World Communications Day 2009.
While harnessing all forms of media, he said he will give assistance to the promotion of the media apostolate in every diocese in the country. (Melo M. Acuña and Kate Laceda