17/06/2026
FRATERNAL RESPONSE TO THE CLARIFICATION ISSUED CONCERNING THE OLD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE BENEDICTINES OF THE CELTIC CROSS
Grace and peace in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Diocese of St. Vincent De Paul, the Old Roman Catholic Church (ORCC) – Utrecht Succession Latin Rite, and the Benedictines of the Celtic Cross have become aware of the recent clarification issued concerning our Church and religious community.
First and foremost, we wish to express our sincere respect and Christian charity toward the Bishop, clergy, religious, and faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo. We recognize their right and responsibility to guide the faithful entrusted to their pastoral care according to the teachings, discipline, and canon law of the Roman Catholic Church.
We acknowledge that the Roman Catholic Church does not recognize our ecclesiastical jurisdiction as being under the authority of the Roman Pontiff or within the canonical structures of the Roman Catholic Church. We have never claimed to be a parish, diocese, or religious institute of the Roman Catholic Church, nor do we seek to confuse the faithful regarding our distinct ecclesiastical identity.
At the same time, we respectfully affirm that the Old Roman Catholic Church is a separate Christian body exercising it's constitutionally protected right to worship, organize, and minister according to its own beliefs and traditions.
On Religious Freedom
The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article III, Section 5, provides:
"No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed."
This constitutional protection extends to all religious communities, including independent Catholic, Old Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and other Christian jurisdictions lawfully operating within the Republic.
Likewise, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right of every person to manifest religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.
On the Validity of Our Sacraments and Ministry
The Old Roman Catholic Church maintains that its bishops, priests, and deacons stand within lines of apostolic succession received through the historic Old Catholic and related episcopal traditions.
Consequently, our Church regards the sacraments celebrated by its clergy as valid according to our own ecclesiastical theology and sacramental understanding.
The Old Roman Communion (ORC) and the Old Roman Catholic Church recognize the ministry, sacramental life, and ecclesiastical standing of clergy who have been duly ordained and remain in good standing within their respective jurisdictions.
Questions of sacramental validity are theological matters determined by the doctrines and canonical traditions of individual churches. Such matters are distinct from civil recognition and constitutional rights.
Concerning the Benedictines of the Celtic Cross
The Benedictines of the Celtic Cross are a religious community associated with our ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Inspired by the Rule of Saint Benedict and the spirituality of the Celtic Christian tradition, the community exists to foster prayer, pastoral ministry, evangelization, education, and charitable outreach.
The Benedictines of the Celtic Cross do not claim to be a religious institute of the Roman Catholic Church, nor do they present themselves as operating under Roman Catholic canonical authority. Their identity, governance, and mission are exercised within the ecclesiastical framework of the Old Roman Catholic Church.
On Mutual Respect and Public Statements
Because the Benedictines of the Celtic Cross and the Old Roman Catholic Church were specifically identified by name in the published clarification, we respectfully request that future discussions concerning our community be conducted with accuracy, fairness, and Christian charity.
Under Philippine law, public statements concerning identifiable persons, organizations, or religious communities should be made responsibly and with due regard for truth and reputation. The provisions on libel found in the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and related civil remedies exist to protect individuals and organizations from false and damaging allegations. We therefore encourage dialogue, clarification, and mutual respect rather than misunderstanding or unnecessary controversy.
Conclusion
As followers of Jesus Christ, we remain committed to peaceful coexistence, ecumenical dialogue, and respectful engagement with all Christian communities.
We pray that the Holy Spirit may guide all churches toward greater understanding, mutual respect, and fidelity to the Gospel.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant peace among all Christians and strengthen us in the work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Msgr. Mark Joseph Cabahug,OSB
Chancellor
+ Most Rev. Benito P. Sagra DD Canon Bishop
