Is it possible for a priest to also become a lawyer?
The answer is yes.
There are no legal restrictions preventing a Catholic priest from pursuing a law degree and taking the Bar examinations. In fact, some priests choose to study law to strengthen their service to the community, particularly in areas such as legal advocacy, human rights, and social justice.
Under Canon Law, the Catholic Church does not expressly prohibit priests from practicing law, provided it does not interfere with their pastoral responsibilities. Priests, however, are generally required to seek permission from their bishop or religious superior before undertaking such a professional path.
This rare but inspiring combination of vocations was recently seen in Sorsogon.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Diocese of Sorsogon |
Rev. Fr. Dean Simon Bayna Peña, JD, of the Diocese of Sorsogon is now officially a lawyer after passing the 2024 Bar Examinations, joining the 3,962 successful examinees nationwide.
The Diocese proudly announced his achievement in a Facebook post on December 13.
“Prayerful congratulations to the Rev. Dean Simon Bayna Peña for having passed the 2024 BAR Examinations 🙏🙏🙏 Fr. Atty. Simon, congratulations from all of us 💕,” the post read.
The 2024 Bar Examinations were topped by Kyle Christian Tutor of the University of the Philippines College of Law, who earned an overall rating of 85.7700 percent.
Ateneo de Manila University emerged as the top-performing law school for this year’s Bar exams, followed closely by the University of the Philippines.
According to the Supreme Court, a total of 10,483 aspiring lawyers took the Bar examinations held in September.
Fr. Peña’s achievement stands as a testament to lifelong learning and service, proving that faith and the law can work hand in hand in the pursuit of justice and compassion.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express