He writes
about his own love story in his recent book, The View from the Pew: A Catholic
Priest Falls in Love, which is published in the Philippines by Aletheia
Publishing, an independent press based in Davao City.
Meñez, a Doctor of Canon Law from Kalibo,
Aklan, was ordained on November 28, 1970 by Pope (and now) St. Paul VI. He held
key positions in the diocese of Kalibo and several religious institutions in
the Philippines before continuing his ministry in the Archdiocese of Los
Angeles in 2000. In the same year, he met Filipina parishioner Espy de Vega, a
successful career woman and lifelong single. It took several years
before their acquaintance turned into friendship and in 2008, their friendship blossomed
into mutual love.
Instead of taking the easy path by either marrying civilly or joining the Episcopalian church in order to remain a
priest whilst married, Meñez and De Vega both chose to stay in grace and remain
loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. In August 2008, Meñez was
granted permission to officially retire from his priestly ministry. He then
filed a petition to the Vatican and after nine months, he was granted dispensation
from “all obligations arising from sacred orders, including the law of celibacy” by Pope Benedict XVI. On March 26, 2011, Meñez (age 63) and De
Vega (age 51) finally married at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Long Beach, California.
But more than just a love story, Meñez’ book emphasizes the equality in dignity of all Christian faithful (both clergy and lay)
based on the grace of baptism. Having the privileged vantage point of both views
from the altar and from the pew, he examines some painful yet essential truths that
the Catholic Church needs to face in the task of renewal. Although Meñez is not against celibacy, his personal journey offers an intriguing
insight into this topic.
The View from the Pew will
certainly make some clerics uncomfortable. Many will find it inspiring and uplifting. But all will find it a good
resource for reflection and a compelling guide to examining one’s conscience. As
endorsed by Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza,
D.D. (Bishop of San Carlos): “Everyone can learn something from this
honest-to-goodness sharing from the heart. There is a chapter
on celibacy -- but this should not frighten those who value this jewel of the
Roman Catholic priesthood. This book is a
helpful reading for seminary formators and those involved in the ministry of
accompaniment.”
The View from the Pew is available for ordering from Aletheia Publishing at Php399/copy. Kindly email aletheiapublishing@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook. The book is also available in Lazada and Shopee.
Other book details:
###
About the Author:
