5 days ago
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
