Priesthood
In 1997, Suarez applied to many Orders until found and joined the newly formed Companions of the Cross. Suarez was ordained a Catholic priest in 2002 at age 35. From 2002 to July 2003, Suarez served as the associate pastor of St. Timothy's parish in North York, Ontario. In 2011, Suarez left the Companions of the Cross and joined the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, under the leadership of Bishop-Prelate Antonio Palang. Bishop Palang assigned Fr. Suarez to a very impoverished community of Elin (pronounced as Eling), located at the tip of Mindoro island, which is what Suarez wanted. The small parish is home to marginalized people of the faith that Fr. Suarez sees as the reason for his ministry.
Suarez has traveled throughout the world and has healed many people by being God's instrument of healing. His gift is recognized by the Vatican. He attributes all healing to Jesus Christ, "I am only an instrument. It is He who heals." He founded his Mary Mother of the Poor-Healing Ministry or Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation (MMP)-even before he became a priest. He is supported through donations from many countries.
On December 10, 2007, the Junior Chamber International Philippines presented Suarez with an award for his religious service.
Read more about this topic: Fernando Suarez
Famous quotes containing the word priesthood:
“The priesthood in many ways is the ultimate closet in Western civilization, where gay people particularly have hidden for the past two thousand years.”
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