THE St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cainta, Rizal, has defended the priest who was caught on video screaming while ordering palm vendors to leave the church compound on Palm Sunday.
In a statement, the parish said the viral clip circulating online was “incomplete” and “one-sided,” as it failed to show what transpired before the priest’s outburst.
Church officials said they had previously appealed to vendors not to sell inside the church premises, citing respect for the sacred space and adherence to parish rules.
The statement added that the priest was also subjected to disrespect prior to the incident captured on video.
“We earnestly ask the faithful to refrain from sharing the video, as it does not reflect the complete picture and may cause further confusion or division,” the parish said.
“Instead, let us use this moment to pray for healing, unity, and peace in our community. Let us not allow a moment of tension to overshadow the grace of this Holy Week,” the added.
