MANILA, August 25, 2009- Papal nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams warned local Church leaders and the public against a racket involving solicitations, using the name of Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
In a letter dated August 14, 2009 and addressed to CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo and circulated to the local ordinaries, Archbishop Adams said the Secretariat of State of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI "learned of still another attempt, through e-mail communications, to swindle Church institutions and/or unsuspecting private citizens by fraudulently using the name of high Church Authorities."
The papal envoy said still unidentified persons using the name of Cardinal Grocholewski, "are seeking to collect funds through illegal means."
He added even Catholic universities and education institutions have been targeted by the illegal scheme.
The nuncio asked Archbishop Lagdameo to inform the country's 85 ecclesial provinces and 366 religious congregations for men and women about the unauthorized solicitation activities.
He also called on all concerned "to use maximum prudence in respect to requests for information or money, through the internet, particularly when mention is made of the name of high Curia officials."
It was learned this was the most recent unauthorized scheme by unknown persons involved in solicitations using the names of Vatican City-based church officials.
Msgr. Joselito C. Asis, CBCP Assistant Secretary General immediately issued a circular to the country's cardinals, archbishops and bishops for their information and appropriate action. (Melo M. Acuna)