A local church in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental has been temporarily closed after an individual spat at the holy water font, a “grave act of sacrilege.”
In his Decree No. 2025-805-02, Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad ordered the closure of the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist.
“Therefore, I decree that the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez shall remain closed until further notice as a sign of penance and reparation,” said Jumoad.
“This is to invoke conversion of heart and communal purification as guided by Catholic teaching,” he added.
The prelate said a Holy Hour of Adoration and Solemn Confessions will be held on August 7 at 3 p.m. to foster repentance, seek forgiveness, and restore the sanctity of the parish.
“The reopening of the church will only be permitted after appropriate acts of penance are observed by the faithful, including participation in the Holy Hour and confession, as well as after due pastoral assessment,” said Jumoad.
He also issued a “serious warning” to the individual responsible, saying the act of profaning sacred objects, such as the holy water font, constitutes a grave sin and desecration.
“Immediate confession and sincere repentance are required to restore one’s standing in the community of faith,” said Jumoad.
Under the Canon Law, sacred places and objects are to be treated with reverence and respect, and acts offending their sanctity are gravely sinful and undermine the reverence due to sacred signs.
