Jose Francisco "Jocis" Syquia is a Filipino Roman Catholic exorcist. He is the director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office on Exorcism.
Francisco Syquia | |
|---|---|
| Personal | |
| Born | Jose Francisco Syquia |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
| Home town | Makati |
| Profession | Exorcist |
| Senior posting | |
| Ordination | 2000 |
| Profession | Exorcist |
| Present post | Director, Archdiocese of Manila Office on Exorcism |
Early life and education
editFrancisco Syquia was born to a wealthy family in Forbes Park, Makati. His parents were diplomat Enrique Syquia and his wife Leticia.[1] He was the second of four sons. The siblings grew up not believing in demons and exorcism, but Francisco developed an interest in the paranormal.[2] Francisco expressed a desire to become a priest as early as when he was still a third grade elementary student before such aspiration was placed on hold.[3]
Sometime during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, he would get involved in political activism. He would also dabble in New Age beliefs and practices, explore other religions, and "open his third eye". He planned to become a lawyer but leaned back to his faith, Roman Catholicism, after he says he experienced demonic attacks. Syquia said that the demonic attacks and nightmares would stop after eight months and that a year later he entered the seminary. He would obtain a master's degree in psychology at a Catholic university prior to his ordination.[2][3]
Ministry
editSyquia was ordained a priest in the year 2000.[2] He would be granted faculty by Bishop Teodoro Buhain to practice exorcism in 2003 when he was still a newly assigned priest at the Quiapo Church in Manila. He was hesitant at first due to his past experiences and wanted to quit within the first two years. He was then the only exorcist in the Philippines. He would read a publication by Vatican chief exorcist Gabriele Amorth which led him to start attending courses on exorcism in Rome since 2008.[3]
He would also become the chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism (AMOE). AMOE is part of the Lay Formation Center of the San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex in Makati which was founded in 2006.[3]
Syquia and his team would diagnose exorcisms in Latin. He believes that people who are experiencing spiritual, emotional, or familial relational crises are vulnerable to demonic possessions.[4] Syquia had advised caution regarding the use of social media and the internet. He alleged that electronic gadgets have been used by the devil in actual exorcism rites.[5]
With encouragement from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Archdiocese of Manila set up the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism. Syquia, along with Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, led the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2022.[4]
Cardinal Jose Advincula has appointed Syquia as Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church' Parochial Vicar as of August 1, 2024, under Fr. Joselito Martin, the incoming Parish Priest.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ "Exorcist Volume 3: Spiritual Warfare and Discernment". St Pauls Australia. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Priest in ancient battle with demons". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 15, 2011. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Cepeda, Cody (October 31, 2019). "The exorcist is in". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Yamsuan, Cathy Cañares (June 12, 2022). "PH lead exorcist receives 10 suspected cases a day". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ Roman, Anthony (December 14, 2022). "Exorcist warns against 'enemies of the soul' in virtual world". Licas News. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ Patinio, Ferdinand (June 7, 2024). "Augustinians to turn over Guadalupe church, monastery to Manila archdiocese". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ "Augustinians to turn over Makati parish to Manila archdiocese". GMA Integrated News. June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.