Church wants to stop ‘Aswang Festival’ in Capiz

The Archdiocese of Capiz wants a stop to the annual "Aswang Festival", saying it increases the appeal of witchcraft to many people. In a statement posted on the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Capiz said the festival makes "evil" characters appear "cool and innocent." "Yet, these mystical figures can become dangerous once they enter into the psyche of the (people) and…form part of the culture of Capiz," the statement said. It added that negative effects of the "aswang" (witch) image can enter into the religious psyche of people. "Culture and religion are closely connected. Evil images are perceived through cultural beliefs as various faces of the devil that needs to be expelled through prayers and blessings," the statement said. The Archdiocese reiterated its stand even as Roxas City held its third "Aswang Festival" on Saturday. The Catholic church’s statement said the festival was "anti-God" and "anti-Christian." "The participants as well as (the) bystanders are sometimes merely fascinated and amused by the spectacles of evil characters unmindful of their negative implications," the statement said. It added that evil images are perceived through cultural beliefs as various faces of the devil that needs to be expelled through prayers and blessings. "It is involved in the power of darkness," the statement said. The festival was launched in 2004, stirring mixed reactions from various sectors. The Dugo Capiznon Inc., the sponsor of the festival, has been appealing to local church leaders not to judge the festival by its name, saying the organizers only want to change the negative notion of Capiz as a haven of witches. The group said it wants to showcase Capiz's wealth, talents, resources, world-class quality of products and hospitality during the festival. The Catholic church, however, said nothing can justify the shaming of Capiz's identity and dignity. "It deeply hurts to know that some Capiceños nowadays deny their province of origin and birth because of a negative perception boosted by a festival. They simply avoid becoming a laughing stock in cities and provinces, here and abroad," the church’s statement said. The archdiocese called on its parishioners to organize prayer vigils during the festival. It also called on the people to pray the rosary in their village chapels. "We do believe in the power of prayer. Through prayer, we express once again our strong opposition to the ‘Aswang Festival’ in a peaceful but sincere manner for transformation of hearts," the statement said. - GMANews.TV