Filipino priest to be defrocked

Manila, Philippines – A Filipino priest who fled charges of possessing child pornography and stealing from his parish may soon be defrocked by the Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Worcester has asked the Vatican to defrock the Rev. Lowe B. Dongor, according to the Worcester Telegram. The 35-year-old Dongor, who was the Diocese of Worcester’s first Filipino priest, fled the US and went to the Philippines, after being charged with possessing child pornography and larceny over $250 (P10,750).

Dongor was placed on administrative leave of absence and relieved of his duties last July. He fled before his October 25 court hearing. A warrant has been issued for Dongor’s arrest.

Meanwhile, a Catholic prelate reminded the people yesterday to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions.

“It’s good that you have a list of New Year resolutions but it should not stop there. You should really strive to fulfill them,” retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani said. “If you promised to be more charitable, then become one,” added Bacani.

The problem, he said, with some people is that they are more focused on creating their New Year’s resolutions instead of actually fulfilling them. “We think of a lot of good things but we rarely put them into action,” Bacani said. (Asian Journal and Leslie Ann G. Aquino)

A diocese spokesman told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Friday that Bishop Robert McManus has asked Pope Benedict XVI to strip Dongor of his priestly privileges in light of the charges.

Dongor was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court on Sept. 10 on charges of larceny over $250, larceny from a building and possession of child pornography and was released on personal recognizance. He was placed on administrative leave and relieved of his duties in July.

Dongor failed to show up for an Oct. 25 court hearing, leading church and law-enforcement officials to believe he has fled to his homeland, the Philippines.