Why Desecrated Churches Must Close Indefinitely
A church in Misamis Occidental faces indefinite closure after a sacrilegious act against a sacred object, which was “blessed and set apart for the sanctification of the faithful.” This incident has sparked outrage among the community and religious leaders alike.
Recently, a video circulated showing a woman spitting on the holy water font of St. John the Baptist Parish Church. Archbishop Martin Jumoad condemned the act, calling it a “grave act of sacrilege.” This event highlights why desecrated churches must close indefinitely to uphold reverence and holiness.
Historical Context and Church Reactions
This is not the first time a church has been ordered closed for similar reasons. Last year, San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, was shut down after religious images were desecrated. Kabankalan Bishop Louie Galbines emphasized then that “while the physical and external damages may cause so much burden to the parish, it is the internal injury to the minds and hearts of the faithful that concerns us more.”
The closure serves as a profound reminder to the faithful about the sanctity of church spaces and the deep spiritual wounds caused by sacrilegious acts.
The Canon Law Behind Church Closures
According to Canon 1211 of the Code of Canon Law, any church damaged by sacrilege must remain closed until repairs are made through prescribed liturgical rites. The law states that “it is not permitted to carry on worship in them until the damage is repaired by a penitential rite.” This underlines the gravity of the offense and the importance of restoring holiness.
A column from a respected Catholic publication compared the situation to the human soul: just as sin wounds a soul needing sacramental healing, so too the “soul” of a sacred building can be desecrated and requires a healing ritual.
Rites of Reparation and Communal Healing
The rites prescribed for desecrated churches include penitential ceremonies to purify and restore the sacred space. Archbishop Jumoad explained in a decree that closing the church indefinitely symbolizes “penance and reparation” and invites “conversion of heart and communal purification as guided by Catholic teaching.” He urged the community to remember that “sacred objects and places are vessels of God’s grace and deserve our utmost respect and reverence.”
However, closing the church is only part of the response. The Ceremonial of Bishops outlines public prayers and rituals to be performed after desecration. These include penitential rites celebrated promptly, encouraging the faithful to confess their sins.
Symbolism and Liturgical Actions
To express penance, the altar is stripped bare, and joyful decorations like lights and flowers are removed. The bishop typically presides over these rites, which may take the form of a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word, depending on the situation.
Before the altar is revered again, water is blessed and sprinkled, prayers are said, scripture readings are proclaimed, and the altar is clothed anew. If the Eucharist itself is desecrated, the Mass’s concluding rites are replaced with exposition, adoration, and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
These solemn rituals reinforce the sacredness of the church and the need for spiritual renewal among the faithful.
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