Fixed rates on baptism, confirmation and mass intentions, abolished in Manila

The Apostolic Administrator of Manila, Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo released on Thursday, March 25 a decree on the abolishment of arancel for baptisim, confirmation and Mass intentions in the Archdiocese of Manila.

Beginning April 14, 2021, the Archdiocese of Manila will officially abolish “any fixated rates for the celebration of the sacrament of baptism and confirmation and for the offering of Mass intentions in the churches in the Archdiocese of Manila” as said in the decree.

Although fixed rates are no longer ruling within the Archdiocese of Manila, Bishop Pabillo also added that donations from the faithful are still encouraged.

Back in 2017, the bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila was issued with the pastoral letter on stewardship and the abolition of the arancel system that has been envisioned by the Second Plenary Council of the Phiilippines for 30 years.

The Archdiocese of Manila has been preparing for the establishment of stewardship system and implemention of the removal of the arancel system.

In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines this 2021, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reiterated this commitment which resulted to the abolishment of the arancel system this April 14.

Bishop Pabillo also hopes that the abolishment of the arancel system will be one of the legacies of the Roman Catholic Church in Manila to commemorate the quincentennial celebration of the arrival of the Christian faith in the Philippines.

The decree was attested by Fr. Reginald R. Malicdem, and signed by Bishop Pabillo.