Catholics to observe ‘Day of Penance’ for ‘blasphemous’ art exhibit

MANILA, Philippines—The Catholic Church on Tuesday set August 26, a Friday, as a “Day of Penance” to seek forgiveness from God for the “blasphemous” exhibit shown at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales urged Catholics to do acts of penance and sacrifice, like fasting and “other forms of mortification,” to seek God’s forgiveness for the exhibit, which he said was a “public sin” of “sacrilege and blasphemy.”

From August 21 to 28, a “Prayer for Reparation” would also be read after communion in all Masses in the Archdiocese of Manila.

“As Church, we will kneel before our loving God to pray and seek reparation for this public sin. We will do this along with this ‘Prayer of Reparation,’” Rosales said in a letter to Catholic priests, religious communities and schools in the capital.

“For us Catholics and Christians, the offense goes beyond visual senses; it strikes into our souls. The public exhibition of the repulsive work is sacrilege and blasphemy. It is a sin,” he said.

“It has deeply offended the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Mother, and our Church,” Rosales added.

The Cardinal urged priests to celebrate a “Mass for the Forgiveness of Sins” on August 26 and to wear purple vestments.

“We also encourage everyone to perform an act of penance or sacrifice on this day, such as fasting or other forms of mortification, as an expression of remorse for the sins committed against God’s majesty, Rosales said.

The Cardinal said “many agree” that the artworks of artist Mideo Cruz ”over-reached the boundaries of freedom of expression.”

“Most say it is offensive and a great affront to Catholics and Christians, and to all people who value decency. To them the work is `trash.’ And we agree,” Rosales said.

“Our lay people have expressed their strong sentiments regarding this work as an affront to decent society, through protests and rallies, and even through the filing of a criminal suit,” he said.

“We pray to Mary, our Queen and Mother, to continue to guide us and show us the way to her Son, Jesus Christ,” Rosales added.