Archdiocese's choice over chaplaincy role faces scrutiny
Retired Judge Questions Appointment of Chaplain at San Pedro Calungsod Chapel
Retired Court of Appeals justice Gabriel Ingles has raised concerns about the appointment of Monsignor Roberto Alesna as chaplain of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in Consolacion, Cebu.
In a letter dated August 8, 2025, Ingles questioned the decision, stating that the role of a chaplain is a pastoral one and the chapel regularly administers sacraments. He argued that a full-time priest is required to serve the spiritual needs of the community.
Ingles' objections are rooted in his lifelong adherence to the commandments to love God and to love one's neighbor. He questions why the task was given to a just retired monsignor, especially when other retired priests continue to promote the Divine Mercy devotion without being assigned to a chaplaincy.
The letter, published on the website on August 4, 2025, also flags inconsistencies in limiting Alesna's appointment to three years. Ingles asks whether it would end early if the Consolacion project finishes ahead of schedule or be extended if it is delayed.
The action coincides with Archbishop Palma's imminent retirement, and Ingles suggests that lay Catholics could handle the project better and without any compensation. He also questions the need for the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel as a home base for administrative functions, suggesting that seminaries, convents, and administrative offices could serve instead.
Ingles quotes Bishop Abet Uy, stating that sometimes, the greatest evil is not what is done, but what is allowed because good people remain silent. He adds that the head of the Church should not undermine the spirit of canon law and the trust of the clergy and faithful for the sake of building the Divine Mercy Center.
The only reference to the Divine Mercy Center in Garing, Consolacion, is a brief mention of its location near The Bukid Cafe of Nanda Cafe in Barangay Garing, Consolacion, Cebu. There is no information on the project's history, timeline, delays, or any controversy involving Justice Gabriel Ingles in the available data.
Alesna, however, has a proven track record in fundraising and financial oversight. The appointment of Alesna was prompted by the urgent need to complete the Divine Mercy Center in Garing, Consolacion. Ingles, however, states that the end goal should not justify questionable means.
This is not the first time that Ingles has spoken out against what he perceives as missteps within the Church. He has previously called for transparency and accountability in various Church-related matters. His latest letter to Archbishop Palma adds to the ongoing debate about the role of retired clergy in the Church and the appointment of chaplains.
References:
[1] Divine Mercy Center location
- Retired Judge Gabriel Ingles, in his letter published on August 4, 2025, expresses concerns about the appointment of Monsignor Roberto Alesna as chaplain of San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, Cebu, questioning the rationale behind his selection, given his lifelong adherence to justice and love for his neighbor.
- Simultaneously questioning the discrepancies in the Consolacion project's timeline, Ingles argues that the Divine Mercy Center's end goal should not justify questionable means, citing the potential for missteps within the Church as a general-news topic he has previously addressed.
