The representatives from the group ‘Filipino Katoliko’, a religious group based in Davao de Oro, Davao region, have been reportedly soliciting donations in Bicol region.
Men dressed in white vestments have been actively visiting local establishments in Legazpi City, Albay after their courtesy visit with City administrator Carlos Ante.
‘Filipino Katoliko’ admits that their group is not connected with the Roman Catholic Church and reminded the roman catholic members that there were Seven Ecumenical Councils before the Great Schism in 1054.
“Truth is, the religion you have embraced was also established by people,” the ‘Filipino Katoliko’ expressed in their statement posted in their facebook page on February 10. “Wake up, Don’t bow down to Roman Colonialism.”
In the recent Sorsogon Diocese circular dated February 11, Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan V. Dialogo, D.D., expressed that it caught their attention on these representatives that have been soliciting in Albay province and possibly in their province.
The Diocese of Sorsogon in the Bicol region clarified that “these representatives of ‘Filipino Katoliko’ under Most Rev. Pedro Fenis, Jr. are in no way connected with the Roman Catholic Church, nor therefore are they in any way connected with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon”.
“As you entertain them, if you would, weigh with your own prudence the authenticity and veracity of their plight, so that each of us would act accordingly, as Christianly and full of charity as may be,” Bishop Dialogo stated in the circular.
The accompanying letter of the ‘Filipino Katoliko’ stated that they would like to raise funds to support the improvements of their Principal Office located at F. Dagohoy St., Purok 2, Poblacion in the municipality of Compostela. The group also intended to generate funds for the renovation of their different Church buildings in Mindanao.
According to ‘Filipino Katoliko’ Head Bishop Rev. Pedro P. Fenis, Jr,, the Reverend Fathers and Brothers visiting cities and municipalities in the country are legitimate Missionaries belonging to the Filipino Katoliko Church.
“True, we are soliciting heartily-given donations, of any kind. This is to help our congregation and missionary work like the support of the Saint James Seminary in Compostela, Davao de Oro and the improvement of Churches in various parishes and chapels belonging to the Filipino Katoliko,” said Rev. Fenis, Jr. in a statement released on October 16, 2023.