Catholic priest removed from post for alleged misconduct

A Macau-based priest who has left for the Philippines back in January 26 was removed from his post as the leader of the Catholic Pastoral Center for Filipino Migrants for alleged sexual misconduct and embezzlement.

The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) priest was allegedly removed due to his relationships with women and that he had a son, as cited in a letter of a local group, Federation of Catholic Filipinos of Macau, which TDM Radio had access to.

Fr. Peter Marselek, the superior of SOLT, based in Corpus Christi, United States, confirmed to the media outlet the veracity of the accusations made in the letter, revealing that the priest himself admitted the allegations.

In the letter dated March, Fr. Andrew Virtuz de Vera was also accused for embezzling donations from masses and funds raised for migrants in the SAR – though this matter was not confirmed by Marselek.

He added that he learned of the case at the end of January, and that the regional superior of SOLT in the Philippines was scheduled to meet with the Bishop of Macau in early February to address the case.

However due to travel restrictions, the meeting did not occur.

Thus in view of the “gravity of the actions,” SOLT started the process of removing the priest from the congregation.

A source told the Times today (Thursday) that Fr. de Vera left for the Philippines on January 26 and that he had already “submitted a request for dispensation as he has left the priesthood.”

On Wednesday, the Diocese of Macau has announced that the former priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity is no longer associated with the Diocesan Catholic Pastoral Center for Filipino Migrants.

In a Chancery Notice, it noted that Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang has authorized the release of Fr. Andrew Virtuz de Vera.

“He does not exercise any ministry in the Catholic Diocese of Macau, nor is he permitted to perform any sacraments or solicit any form of donation or stipends from the faithful for religious services with immediate effect (cf. Code of Canon Law cc. 678; 682, 2),” the notice read.

The Times reached out to the Diocese of Macau and was only advised to refer to its Chancery Notice.