Church Temporarily Closes After Holy Water Incident
MANILA, Philippines — The Archbishop of Ozamis has directed the temporary closure of the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental after a disturbing act involving the holy water font. The incident, captured on video, shows a woman spitting into the sacred font, sparking widespread outrage among parishioners and online communities.
Archbishop Martin Jumoad described this behavior as a “grave act of sacrilege” and emphasized the seriousness of the offense. The four-word keyphrase, “holy water font incident,” reflects the core issue at hand, highlighting the disrespect shown toward a sacred object.
Closure as a Sign of Penance and Healing
As a response, the Archbishop announced that the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist will remain closed until further notice. This step serves as a gesture of penance and communal purification, aiming to foster conversion of heart among the faithful, in line with Catholic teachings.
To restore the church’s sanctity, a Holy Hour of Adoration coupled with Solemn Confessions is scheduled for August 7 at 3 p.m. The church’s reopening depends on the completion of these acts of penance and a pastoral evaluation, ensuring proper spiritual restoration.
Consequences and Call for Repentance
Archbishop Jumoad issued a stern warning to the individual responsible, stressing that violating sacred objects like the holy water font constitutes a grave sin and desecration. This act not only attracts ecclesiastical penalties but also threatens the individual’s communion with the Church.
He urged immediate confession and sincere repentance to regain standing within the faith community. “It is essential to respect the sanctity of sacred objects and places as vessels of God’s grace,” Jumoad reminded the faithful, underscoring the importance of reverence.
Local leaders noted the church’s closure is a solemn reminder of the need to uphold sacred traditions and honor religious symbols. The incident serves as a powerful lesson on respect and faithfulness within the community.
For more news and updates on church events, visit Filipinokami.com.
