THE Diocese of Tagum apologized after one of its priests, who appeared to be upset while doing the baptism rite, went viral online.
In an issued statement signed by Bishop Medil Aseoo and Chancellor Fr. Vicente Arado on Saturday, March 20, the diocese regretted the incident, which happened at Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Parish in Barangay Kimamon, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte on March 13.
The video was uploaded the next day by Facebook user May Flor Concon Decano, who was one of those who attended the baptismal rites.
"Sakto ba ning pari nga magbunyag kulang na lang balian?! Wala pa labot kasaba.ka harsh ba gud nimu Father. Karon ra ko.. Dapat Celebration sa PagkaChristian sa bata,dili kay aniun niyA. Unsa iya giexpect 1st time parents ang ginikanan *sad emoji*. Maypag ingun na lang ka father ug gusto ka mubunyag or dili,kay murag sakit man sa imu dughan magbunyag ug bata hinuon [sic]," Decano said in her Facebook post.
(Is it appropriate that this priest will be performing the baptismal rights to the point that he will break the child’s neck? Not only that, he even scolded the parents. That was harsh, father. That was the first time I witnessed something like this. That was supposed to be a celebration of a child being baptized into Christianity. What was he expecting considering these are first-time parents? Just be frank, father, if you wanted to officiate the baptism or not. It seemed that it was against your will to officiate the child’s baptism.)
The video was no longer accessible in her account. However, various accounts have already reposted the video and have gained significant likes and shares.
The local church immediately talked to the involved parties upon learning the incident.
"As soon as this came to our attention, we, at once, talked to the couple and the priest involved. After a series of dialogues, both parties have reached conciliation and mutual understanding recognizing the lapses and excesses on either side," the diocese said.
"We ask for everyone’s forgiveness for the pain and scandal this may have caused," the diocese added.
The Tagum church appealed to both parties to put "an end to the issue which has caused more harm than good."
"We humbly appeal to the supporters of both sides to prudently refrain from engaging in activities that further sow division and animosity," the church said.
It also appealed to netizens "to exercise prudence and charity mindful of the feelings and sensitivities" to the parties and their loved ones.
In line with the Lenten season, the church also urged the public to reflect and make amends for the betterment of everyone.
The name of the priest was not identified in the statement. In a report from GMA’s One Mindanao, the parish priest was identified as Reverend Father Ben Cañete, who also apologized for the incident.
"As of this time, the matters are dealt with properly by the diocesan curia. If you are Catholic and the video has offended you, my sincerest apologies," Cañete said in a text message.
SunStar Davao reached out to Decano for further comments on this matter, but she has not responded as of Sunday evening.
The Sto. Tomas Municipal Information Office, which first confirmed that the incident happened in their area, declined to comment on the matter.
"We won't comment on the issue as we maintain a ‘neutral’ stance towards an issue of religion in constitutional recognition on the separation of the church and the state. It is best that the Diocese of Tagum will investigate the matter and shed light further on the issue," Municipal Information Officer Mart Sambalud said in an online message to the media.