THE parish priest of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish (NSDPSP) in Occidental Mindoro yesterday issued a public apology over the now-viral video of singer Julie Anne San Jose holding a “concert” inside the church last Sunday.
In a statement, NSDPSP Parish Priest Carlito Meim Dimaano said he is sorry over the holding of the “Heavenly Harmony Concert,” a parochial fund-raising concert, inside the religious building that featured San Jose and fellow singer Jessica Villarubin.
“It is with great humility that I seek forgiveness from everyone hurt by the incident in the Heavenly Harmony Concert that took place in the NSDPSP. I take full responsibility for the incident,” said Dimaano.
“A secular concert was held inside the church. I admit that this hurt the feelings of the faithful. For that, I apologize,” he added.
The priest also apologized to San Jose and Villarubin who have received negative comments.
Dimaano also apologized to the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro and Bishop Pablito Martinez Tagura.
In a separate statement, Tagura also expressed his apology over the incident.
“We are very sorry for those who have been offended and scandalized. We seek your understanding and beg for forgiveness,” said Tagura.
According to Dimaano, he has learned his lesson after the incident and his discussions with Tagura.
“I vow that this incident will never happen again,” said Dimaano.
In the viral video, the audience cheered loudly and wildly as San Jose sang in front of the altar and around the pews of the NSDPSP.
Netizens quickly criticized the incident as being disrespectful and inappropriate as it was held in a religious place.
