Latest news with #Jumoad
Herald Malaysia
6 days ago
- Herald Malaysia
Church closed after vlogger's disrespectful act sparks outrage
The Church of St John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental — one of the Philippines' oldest churches — was temporarily closed on August 5 by Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz after a viral video showed a 28-year-old vlogger allegedly spitting on the holy water font. Aug 15, 2025 Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz MANILA: The Church of St John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental — one of the Philippines' oldest churches — was temporarily closed on August 5 by Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz after a viral video showed a 28-year-old vlogger allegedly spitting on the holy water font. The act, filmed and posted on social media, provoked widespread condemnation from netizens, prompting calls for legal action. Although the video was later deleted and the vlogger issued a public apology — denying she spat — Archbishop Jumoad described the desecration as a 'corporate sin,' stressing that others may have witnessed the act but did nothing to intervene. All liturgical celebrations at the parish were suspended, and Masses were relocated to the Divine Mercy Shrine. The vlogger reportedly sought to speak with the parish priest, who declined. A Holy Hour of Adoration was held across the archdiocese on Aug 7, and clergy were made available for confessions. The archbishop urged the faithful to reflect and do penance, emphasising the need for vigilance in preserving the sanctity of sacred spaces. --RVA
GMA Network
06-08-2025
- GMA Network
Misamis Occidental church closed after alleged spitting in holy water font
'The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez shall remain closed until further notice as a sign of penance and reparation. This is to invoke conversion of heart and communal purification as guided by Catholic teaching,' the decree mandated by Jumoad read. Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad has ordered the temporary closure of the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, after an individual reportedly spat at the holy water font. 'The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez shall remain closed until further notice as a sign of penance and reparation. This is to invoke conversion of heart and communal purification as guided by Catholic teaching,' the decree mandated by Jumoad read. It added that the reopening of the church will be permitted once 'appropriate acts of penance are observed by the faithful, including participation in the Holy Hour and confession, as well as after due assessment.' A holy hour and solemn confession will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. to 'foster repentance, seek forgiveness, and restore the sanctity' of the church. Jumoad warned the individual to 'immediately confess' and engage in 'sincere penance' to 'restore one's standing in the community of faith.' 'The act of profaning sacred objects, such as holy water font, constitutes grave sin and desecration and incurs not only ecclesiastical penalties but endangers the sinner's communion with the Church and God,' the decree read. Meanwhile, Fr. Jezon Panaguiton of the St. John the Baptist Parish urged the public to refrain from using hurtful words against the individual. 'As the catechism teaches, the dignity of every person must be respected. Only God knows the depths of each heart — let us trust in His mercy and justice,' Panaguiton said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
