Cainta parish on viral video: It’s incomplete, one-sided

The St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cainta, Rizal on Tuesday urged the public to discern amid the viral video showing one of its priests raising his voice to palm frond vendors inside the church compound on Palm Sunday.

According to the parish church, the video is “incomplete” and “one-sided” since it did not show the events prior to the recorded scene.

“Earlier that morning, the parish officials had already made a respectful and clear appeal to all vendors to refrain from selling within the private vicinity of the church, out of reverence for the sacredness of the space and in observance of parish regulations,” St. Francis of Assisi Parish said in a statement.

It added that inappropriate language was first directed at the priest.

“We earnestly ask the faithful to refrain from sharing the video, as it does not reflect the complete picture and may cause further confusion or division,” the parish church said.

“Instead, let us use this moment to pray for healing, unity, and peace in our community. Let us not allow a moment of tension to overshadow the grace of this Holy Week,” it added.

Shared by multiple accounts on Facebook, the viral video garnered mixed reactions among netizens as it showed a priest repeatedly shouting “labas (get out)” at palm frond vendors.

The priest also said, “kanina ko pang sinabi na wala dito sa loob (I already told that it’s not allowed inside.)

Church officials are working with the police to ensure that the protocols of the church are followed.

“We assure you that the matter is being handled internally with prudence, pastoral care, and a commitment to truth and reconciliation. In the spirit of transparency, respect, and healing, we are open to continued dialogue and pastoral accompaniment for those who have concerns,” St. Francis of Assisi Parish said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News