To err is human…

You already know the next line. After the deluge of criticisms and even rage at the actions of a priest towards an unwed mother having her child baptized, actions were swift indeed. Every form of media picked up on the story, and soon the whole world knew about it. The priest has personally apologized to the hapless mother, both in writing and verbally, with his letter being published in the same media that brought him down. Such is the power of social media nowadays, it would really be wise to think hard before saying or doing anything, lest it be uploaded on the internet. Obviously priests are no exception.

The priest has issued a heartfelt apology for his harsh, hurtful, judgmental and even idiotic remarks towards a single mother having her child baptized, in accordance with the obligations of the Church. It may have taken a while for the hapless mother to forgive him, but she eventually did. For to forgive is indeed divine.

I am also pleased that the Church has imposed certain sanctions on the priest, pending an official investigation on the incident. He was suspended from performing any of the sacraments, including saying mass and confession among others. With the presence of a video, it seems a foregone conclusion for the said investigation. But even the Church will need to forgive one of its own. My only hope is that lessons are learned. Priests tend to their flock. They are confessors of their parishioners, not judges. Compassion must flow through their veins. And they must suffer the little children. For me, involving the baby in his tirade was totally out of line.

We need people to help us get back on our feet. When our world crumbles around us, we search for the very place we can seek comfort, if only temporary. For many, the Church is just that, the priests are just that. For many, they are the last refuge when all else has failed. A rebuke would be the last thing they expect, lest it pushes them over the edge. I don't think a priest, nor the Church would want that on their conscience.

As a contrast, I cannot help but notice the demeanor of the father of Guillo Cesar Servando. He remains calm in the light of the murder of his son by those who would call him "brother." He has not made any threatening nor derogatory statements about the fraternity in question, merely asking those responsible for his son's death to surrender to the authorities and let the law take its course. Some of us may not be this calm when a loved one is murdered. The priest would do well to learn from this man.

We all would do well.