Cubao parishes to atone for ‘drag Christ’

MANILA, Philippines — All parishes and religious communities in the Diocese of Cubao will observe a “holy hour” on Aug. 4 to atone for the sacrilege allegedly committed by drag queen Pura Luka Vega, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said yesterday.

“I ask all the parishes and religious communities to offer the Holy Hour on the First Friday of August in reparation for the sacrileges against our Lord,” Ongtioco said in a Radio Veritas interview.

Last July 10, a video of Vega, real name Amadeus Fernando Pagente, went viral. The video showed him dressed as the Black Nazarene, dancing to an upbeat remix version of the “Ama Namin” or Lord’s Prayer.

His action was criticized by the Catholic faithful.

Ongtioco said the “Ama Namin” should be treated with reverence because it tells the story of God’s salvation of man from sin and that human beings are His children.

Ongtioco also appealed to their parishioners and parents to educate their children on the importance of showing respect to the prayers and sacraments of the Catholic Church.

The Philippines for Jesus Movement filed a complaint against Vega before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Monday for allegedly violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows, and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.