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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Catholic church in Negros Occidental temporarily closes after 'desecration'

Catholic church in Negros Occidental temporarily closes after 'desecration'

Published Apr 5, 2024 08:18 am

A Catholic parish church in Negros Occidental province was temporarily closed after it was “desecrated,” according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday, April 5.

CBCP 04.05.jpg
(Parish church of San Isidro Labrador in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental / Photo from San Isidro Parish-Binalbagan)

In a statement, CBCP said this after a 39-year-old man reportedly drove his tricycle into the San Isidro Labrador Church while a Mass was ongoing at 6:30 a.m. on April 3.

It added that it had knocked down several religious symbols, including the altar's Crucifix.

As confirmed by Bishop Louie Galbines of the Kabankalan diocese, the San Isidro Labrador Church tabernacle in Binalbagan was “disfigured.”

He also mentioned that the church will remain closed to “allow for repairs to be made and for the parishioners to participate” in a penitential act in the hopes of healing their faith that was wounded by the “unwarranted act.”

“I pastorally enjoin everyone to refrain from causing more pain to anyone,” Galbines said.

He said the suspect has been taken into police custody and will face charges for the crime and damages caused.

While the physical repair is important, the reparation of the emotional and spiritual damage may take longer, as said by Galbines.

The bishop pointed out the untoward incident caused a “very painful” impact on the faith and emotions of the parishioners.

“Witnessing desecration of the sanctuary and utter disrespect to the revered images generated so much pain and suffering to the people of the parish,” he said.

“While the restoration of the broken images is urgent, the reparation of the internal injury and pain is even paramount,” he added.

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