Philippines: 6 diocesan priests receive award of Pontifical Honor

Pope Francis has conferred a pontifical honor on six priests of the Diocese of Malolos, Philippines,  in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service to the Church.

According to the diocese, those appointed as Chaplain to His Holiness, who will be given the title of monsignor, include Fr. Narciso Sampana, Fr. Domingo Salonga, Fr. Leocadio de Jesus, Fr. Florentino Concepcion, Fr. Javer Joaquin, and Fr. Dario Cabral.

This honor from the Holy Father is granted to diocesan priests who demonstrate exceptional service and commitment to the Church.

As monsignors, they will become part of the Papal Household, signifying their connection with the Holy See.

"It is an honor given to the presbyterium. It is part of how the Church recognizes its ministers, and at the same time, it is a call to greater service to facilitate the various ministerial activities in our diocese," said Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

Fr. Sampana is currently the rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Augustine in Baliwag City, Bulacan.

Fr. Salonga serves as the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish, also known as Barasoain Church, in Malolos; Fr. de Jesus is the parish priest of Sto. Niño Parish in Bustos, Bulacan.

Fr. Concepcion is the Director of Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres; Fr. Joaquin is the rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Bulakan, Bulacan, while Fr. Cabral is the rector and parish priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The diocese was established in 1961 and is one of the largest and most historic dioceses in the country, encompassing the entire province of Bulacan, including Valenzuela City, which is part of the National Capital Region.