(Photo courtesy of Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine and Parish Facebook page)
MANILA – The parish priest of the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine and Parish (NSDPSP) in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on Thursday apologized for the concert inside the church, which drew flak on social media.
In a statement, Rev. Fr. Carlito Dimaano took responsibility for the mess that stemmed from the fund-raising concert titled "Heavenly Harmony in Concert (Harana para kay Maria)" on Oct. 6.
“Inaamin ko pong may mga mali kaming desisyon ukol dito. Inaako ko po ang lahat ng mga pagkakamaling ito (I admit that we have made wrong decision on this. I take responsibility for all these lapses),” he said.
“Isang Secular Concert ang naganap sa loob ng Simbahan. Tinatanggap ko pong ito ay nakasakit sa damdamin ng mga mananampalataya. (A secular concert was held inside the church. I accept that this has offended the feelings of the faithful)," he added.
He also apologized to the guest performers, singers Julie Anne San Jose and Jessica Villarubin, who became the subject of bashing on social media over the event.
Netizens criticized San Jose for wearing inappropriate clothing and singing secular songs such as "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga, "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, and "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus in front of the church's altar.
The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose also asked for the understanding from the faithful.
“Understandably, these scenes have offended spiritually devout people ―Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We ask for your fraternal solidarity in offering Christian forgiveness to a sincere penitent,” San Jose Bishop Pablito Tagura said in a separate statement. (PNA)
