Bacolod Diocese Cautions Public on Fake Priest

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Diocese of Bacolod has issued a warning about an individual claiming to be a missionary priest of the Chaplaincy of the Holy Trinity in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

In an advisory released Thursday, the Diocese identified the individual as “Rev. Fr. Mario D. Divina,” clarifying that he is not a priest of the Roman Catholic Church and has no affiliation with the Diocese of Bacolod.

The Diocese stated that it has not verified the Chaplaincy of the Holy Trinity as a legitimate Catholic institution.

Despite wearing priestly vestments, any sacraments administered or documents issued by Fr. Divina are deemed questionable in validity and unlawful, the Diocese added.

Bishop Patricio Buzon urged the faithful to seek sacraments, blessings, and sacramentals only from recognized parish churches, chaplaincies, oratories, and authorized priests within the Diocese