Mindoro parish priest on controversial concert inside church: 'May mga mali kaming desisyon ukol dito'
The parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish in Mindoro publicly apologized for holding a concert inside the church, which included a controversial performance by Julie Anne San Jose.
"Buong kababaang loob po akong humihingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng nasaktan mula sa mga pagkakamaling nasaksihan sa Heavenly Harmony Court," Fr. Carlito Meim Dimaano said in a statement posted on Facebook.
"Inaamin ko pong may mga mali kaming desisyon ukol dito. Inaako ko po ang lahat ng mga pagkakamaling ito."
Dimaano noted that what happened was a "secular concert," acknowledging that it hurt devotees.
"Tinatanggap ko pong ito ay nakasakit sa damdamin ng mga mananampalataya. Humihingi po ako ng tawad," he said.
He also apologized to San Jose and guest performer Jessica Villarubin for the negative comments they received, and to Bishop Pablito Martinez Tagura, the Apostolic Vicar of San Jose in Mindoro.
"Natuto po ako ng lubos sa pangyayaring ito," he said. "Kung maibabalik ko lamang po ang panahon, disin sana'y naisakatuparan ng tama at wagas ang gawaing ito na alay kay Maria."
"Ipinapangako ko pong hindi na mauulit ang nangyaring ito," he added.
Dimaano issued the public apology after a word with Tagura, according to the Roman Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro.
"Fr. Dimaano humbly owned all the mistakes that triggered the scandal created by this parochial fund-raising concert," it said, "and asked for pardon."
"We ask for your fraternal solidarity in offering Christian forgiveness to a sincere penitent," it added.
Last Oct. 6, San Jose attended the benefit concert Heavenly Harmony Concert, Harana Para Kay Maria. Its proceeds will go to the church's construction.
She, however, drew criticism for performing songs like ABBA's Dancing Queen.
A viral video on X showed her in front of the altar dancing and clapping, with others noting she wore a gown with a slit that revealed much skin.
Some users called it "sacrilegious" and "blasphemous."
On Oct. 10, Sparkle GMA Artist Center said it's taking full responsibility for San Jose's attendance, noting its job to coordinate and clear details with the organizers and relay the instructions to her.
Sparkle clarified that San Jose only fulfilled her duties and commitment as a true professional, and as a devout Catholic, had no intention of disrespecting the Church or its members.
Hours later, San Jose apologized for what happened, acknowledging that her performance caused distress even though she only intended to share joy and support the church.