Modern Day Father Damaso

Philippines
June 26, 2012 2:59am CST
Our last priest from our hometown was replaced with a new one which happens to be the absolute opposite of the true definition a priest. He is a gambler (he likes to bet on cockfighting or card games), he has child which he publicly announces in public (especially during his sermon) and he "tinkers" with the fund of the Church. And during holy week, he refuses to listen to the people's confession because according to him he is "sinful" just like everyone else is. To tell you the truth, I hate listening to this priest's mass. It felt I have lost my respect to him because technically he should have been kicked out of the Roman Catholic sector. I'm not sure if the Church are playing blind on this one or they just don't know anything about his whereabouts. But, I think its more of the former. If the Church will continue to ignore this blasphemous act by this priest, I think I might as well give up my faith on the Roman Catholic religion. Come on, I think it's a fundamental fact that Catholic priests are not supposed to be married to anybody but God himself. What are your take on this guys?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@rsa101 (37968)
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
Wow this is the first time I saw this kind of a priest. I am sorry to hear that you are losing your faith because of this and I think you have the right to be since they should lead a good example to the community he is serving. One thing you could try is to form a group to report this unacceptable acts of this priest and have your diocese investigate on this. I think being with a group you might be heard and attended to. I hope that you would not lose faith in your religion just because of this event. I think this is happening even in other churches as well there will always be bad apples in the flock that needs to be guided. If you can recall there are pastors that were accused of sexually abusing some of the members they have. So you can expect that same in Catholic church that we will encounter such kinds of people.
@rsa101 (37968)
• Philippines
28 Jun 12
I am glad that you didn't give up on your faith as catholic. I think one priest does not represent the whole catholic church. I know there are rotten priest but you have to report that to the higher authorities that would investigate on this. I hope your diocese would not turn a deaf ear on your plea to have a good priest to serve your community.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
rsa101, I think your suggestion is a good idea. But it would take a while before I could gather a significant amount of people to stand up against this priest. But, nothing is impossible if there is a will. I have almost given up on the religion, actually. But, then it dawned to me that just because this priest did this, it doesn't necessarily mean that all priest are like him.
@Mashnn (4501)
26 Jun 12
I think the priest is doing the right thing by being frank. The reality is that most Catholic priests have done nasty and worst things in the past. I think he is just be truthful to the world and to himself rather than hiding behind the curtains.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
the weaknesses of every priest is obviously showing already but they are humans too, they're not perfect. I think people are sensitive and not ready to listen to his ramblings. maybe he should just do his job and stop expressing himself too much because people aren't kneen. people would definitely have a negative perception about priest.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
But he made an oath before the Lord and people that he commit himself into these things. How could the people believe them if their integrity is questionable. These kind of priests are making a bad name for the religion.
• Philippines
26 Jun 12
Well, he should just get out of RC, and perhaps make his own religion or cult. He is defiling the very sacred vow of every priest in the Roman Catholic religion.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
Hello usemyname THAT IS SO LAME! loosing your faith and just giving up simply because of some one who represented the CHURCH in a wrong way?! come on man, you're better than that. this priest isn't the lord jesus christ, he's just representing it. you can tell the bishop to get rid of him you know.you can always pray or go to church but in the schedule of mass if you want.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
Don't get me wrong, LetranKnight25! I'm not generalizing that all priest are like him. And, I still do believe in God and Jesus Christ. I guess my faith is a bit shaken by the fact that this man's vile deeds was tolerated by the church and majority of the people in my place. And I think I'll take your word for it, I'll gather up people who are against this priest and maybe make a signature campaign or petition to remove this priest. And, yes I guess you're right. I should not give up on RC just because of a misrepresentation of a single priest. Although, I've been hearing nasty rumors/facts about other priest from other places. So, it's fair to say that this is not an isolated case.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
26 Jun 12
I think he should be reported to the main office that covers your hometown to do the necessary actions. On the other hand, let us not judge him according to what he shows. If that will be the only reason why you want to leave the RC, that is totally shallow. The best thing you could do with this is to report him to the authorized person.
• Philippines
26 Jun 12
I guess I'm so feed up with all the hypocrisy involved in the said religion. The worst thing about this is that the majority of the people think its ok. By the way this priest also swears, I think almost broke every rule in the book of priesthood.
• Philippines
26 Jun 12
I meant he broke almost every rule.
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
I think Damasos would always be there, it would never go away, in a way it's good that he admits he is sinful unlike the Damaso in the novel who pretends to be "holier than thou" but really rotten inside. There will always be Damasos cause all of us are just human. On the other hand if that is he's preferred or chosen vocation, then he should at least rise to standards that he's position demands of him.
• Philippines
27 Jun 12
Hmmm. . . I wonder how Jose Rizal would feel if he would come across such priest? Well, for one, he would certainly go nuts since he have such high regard for the church and only to see his fellow Filipino desecrating it.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
28 Jun 12
i think that there is no use to him being a priest in your area. there are still good priests out there I believe and those who are doing bad are marring the image that was built hardly and for a long time. The people wont be closer to God with his help and so the parishioners should oust him!
• Philippines
28 Jun 12
That is exactly my thought, katrinapaz. He should have been kick off a long time ago. The only problem is the majority of the people in my town don't seem to see this as a problem, that is why it's so hard to get rid of this priest. I can't bear to listen to this priest preach, all I can see whenever he speaks is all bad things he did without any consequence for doing such vile things. You the kind of feeling you feel when you have lost your respect for someone? That's exactly how I feel about him. It's a good thing I currently live in the city where I don't have deal with all his nonsense.
@mrfdg1972 (3237)
• Philippines
26 Jun 12
Give the Priest a few more days, i believe he is up to something.
• Philippines
28 Jun 12
Whatever he's up to, I don't think it would only do good for himself and not for the Church.