Cebu priest apologizes for scolding unwed mom

MANILA, July 8, 2014 — A Catholic priest says he “deeply regrets” having berated a 17-year-old single mother at her child’s baptismal ceremony in Jagobiao, Mandaue City.

Redemptorist Father Romeo Obach apologized on Tuesday for his “rude attitude” that was caught on video and went viral on social media.

“I deeply regret I have done this. I only later realized how cruel my ways to educate and impart lessons for the said event,” Obach said in a statement.

“I am deeply sorry to the mother of the child, her relatives, the sponsors and the witnesses of the incident,” he said.

The priest also apologized to the public and the netizens for his “unbecoming” behavior, and the same time asking for forgiveness.

“I am deeply sorry and I humbly ask your forgiveness,” Obach said.

The Redemptorist community was also “deeply saddened” by the incident, and said that it may serve as a “reminder” to the clergy “of our role as pastors”.

In a separate statement, Fr. Alfonso Suico, Jr., the Redemptorists’ media liaison officer, said they “do not condone” such an “unacceptable act” for it is contrary to their charism and mission.

“We sincerely feel for the family and to them we extend our heartfelt apology,” Suico said.

He also assured that an “internal investigation” into the incident is underway.

“Rest assured that appropriate sanctions on the part of the involved will be applied once the investigation is complete so that justice may prevail,” the priest said.

Suico added that they will reach out to the aggrieved family to address the matter at the right time.

“We appeal for calm and sobriety from everyone even as we try to assess both the outcome of the investigation of our confrere and at the same time reach out to the family,” he said. (CBCPNews)