Recently this foundation was directed to a newspaper article written by the Bishop of Diocese of Sorsogon in the Philippines.  It is unfortunate that the Bishop, Arturo Bastes, has published in the Internet his decree nullifying the canonical erection of SMAHE.  This decree is full of false accusations against the founder of the Orphanage of the Virgin of Guadalupe and SMAHE.  These false accusations also indirectly accuse Bishop Bastes’ immediate predecessor, the Most Rev. Jesus Varela as being inept in his duties.  We cannot standby and let these false accusations go unanswered!

SMAHE HAS a Decree of Canonical Erection, which gives it a juridical personality and makes SMAHE a legitimate religious Congregation in the Church.  It was written, signed, and sealed with the Diocesan seal, and released by Bishop Bastes; immediate predecessor (i.e., Bishop Jesus Varela) 8 long years before he, Bishop Bastes, was consecrated himself a bishop.

It must be noted that, as far as canon law is concerned, no bishop can rightfully annul a valid decree without first providing sufficient reason (which Bishop Bastes has not done).

The conflict between Bishop Bastes and Fr. Alejandre V. Galias started from something personal and grew to a the Bishop’s led attempt to get SMAHE property (a 3-hectare parcel of land) which was solicited for SMAHE 19 years ago by then Local Ordinary of Sorsogon, the Most Rev. Jesus Varela.  On this property has stood for the last 13 years (and currently stands) the SMAHE College Seminary.

It is believed that frustration(s) on the part of Bishop Bastes led to his declaration of nullity despite an insufficiency of reason because “Bishop Varela does not know how to make a decree” (said by Bishop Bastes in a meeting on 19 April 2007  in which 4 Diocesan priests and 13 SMAHE members we in attendance). 

How can one Bishop say that another Bishop “Does not know how to make a decree”?  IS it not true that Bishops are assigned by the Holy Father?  IS Bishop Bastes claiming the Holy Father does not know the qualifications of the people he assigns to dioceses around the world? 

Bishop Jesus Varela has been said to have been the “cream of the crop” during his student days, he was one of those who fearlessly faced a defiant Filipino Dictator, he was a well-respected bishop during his time at CBCP, and a Bishop recognized by the Vatican on his writing concerning Family Life.

Bishop Varela, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Canon Law in addition to a Doctorate in Sacred Theology, strictly observed the precepts of the law; namely, he was the Local Ordinary at the time he affixed his signature to the Decree of Canonical Erection (Shown below), marked it with the seal of the Diocese (which proves its validity), and “expressed in summary form the reasons for his decision” (per Canon 51). 

This decree has been evaluated by many Church authorities and Doctors of Canon Law.  Additionally, a University of Santo Thomas (UST) professor of Canon Law has openly offered free services in defense of the validity of this decree and in behalf of SMAHE.

The documents shown below disprove Bishop Bastes claim; while on the other hand, strengthen the truth that SMAHE is a Religious Congregation which IS canonically erected.  Moreover, the CELEBRATE document (shown below) from Most Rev. Celso Guevarra and the TESTIMONIAL (also shown below) from a former Seminary professor disproves Bishop Bastes allegation that Fr. Alejandre Galias was expelled as a seminarian.