The coordinator of Quiapo Church’s social communications ministry defended a priest who went viral for an expression he made during Mass.
Benedict Canapi addressed criticisms against Father Kevin Crisostomo, whose expression was caught on camera when he lifted the cap of Bishop Emeritus Francisco de Leon of the Diocese of Antipolo.
The incident took place during a Mass celebrated by De Leon at San Antonio de Padua Parish in Parañaque City.
A Facebook page posted a photo of Crisostomo, who appeared to be amused while lifting De Leon’s cap during the ceremony.
Some did not find his expression appropriate.
“The appropriateness of the priest’s expression is questionable,” a Facebook user said.
“Papansin,” another commented.
“Bad priest, consecration part na po ‘yan, at kaartehan pa rin inisip nito,” another Pinoy wrote.
“Ginawang katatawanan ang misa,” a different Facebook user commented.
ALSO READ: ‘Yung first time mo mag-MC’: Priest goes viral for expression caught during Mass
Canapi, who assisted in the Eucharistic Celebration, defended Crisostomo after the negative comments.
“Ano gusto niyo mangyari? Malugmok sa hirap at makaranas ng stress ‘yung Pari? Makita niyong humingi ng patawad ta’s pag nanghingi na ng tawad, ‘di pa kayo makukuntento?” he wrote on Facebook on Monday, June 15.
“Mawala siya sa paglilingkod dahil doon sa bagay na iyon? Kaya niyo ba sitahin ‘yung mga Paring mas malala pa ang ginagawa?” Crisostomo added.
“Nagnanakaw ng milyon-milyon sa donasyon ng tao? Mga paring ginagalaw ang mga lingkod ng Simbahan na walang kamuwang-muwang? Sunugin niyo sa Plaza si Father para makuntento kayo. Simbahan nga naman…..” he further said.
The issue also reached De Leon himself, who said that some people were being “judgmental” in criticizing Crisostomo.
Meanwhile, the cap, also called a zucchetto, is removed during the Eucharistic Prayer and the consecration in certain parts of the Mass.
