THE Catholic Church’s Diocese of Dumaguete has opposed the construction of a masonic obelisk called “Dumaguete Tower” in front of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral (Dumaguete Cathedral).
A report by CBCP News quoted Dumaguete Diocese judicial vicar Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing as saying that the Catholic Church has been consistent on its stand against freemasonry.
“Freemasonry is identified as a non-sectarian religion. Its adherence, in fact, regard it as a universal religion, thereby reducing Christianity as simply another one of the dozens of sects,” Tulabing said.
Freemasonry is known as the world's oldest fraternal organization and is known to encounter considerable opposition from the Catholic Church.
He said they also disagree with the use of an obelisk, which is linked to ancient Egypt, where it is regarded as a sacred object.
"An obelisk is a pagan structure,” Tulabing said.
An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramid-like top that represents the immortality of the pharaoh, while also meant to honor the sun god.
According to Tulabing, the public initially learned that a “view deck” will be built on the said site.
However, when the city government broke ground on November 27, it was learned that the construction will be an 18-floor masonic obelisk.
The Dumaguete Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council has already asked the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to intervene.
The petition underscored the impacts of the project that the NHCP should consider, namely religious, cultural, and historical; legality; health and environment; peace and order; and the City’s decision to build without public consultation. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)