Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. Photo from southernluzoninquirer.com
SAN PEDRO CITY—This is one madonna who won’t be getting the blessings of Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles anytime soon.
In fact, the Catholic Church official asked Filipinos to stay away from the Feb. 24 and 25 concert of Madonna, the Queen of Pop, whom Arguelles blasted for her “suggestive” lifestyle and “vulgar” style of dressing.
“Why is Catholic Philippines the favorite venue for blasphemy against God and the Holy Mother?” the archbishop said, taking issue with the name that the “Material Girl” had adopted for her stage persona.
“It’s not even her real name. She is just using (Madonna) to taunt Mother Mary,” Arguelles said.
He was particular about “Western culture being brought upon Asians,” the prelate said.
“Lord Jesus, save us from this ideological colonization,” he added in a text message circulated on Tuesday, the eve of Madonna’s much anticipated “Rebel Heart” concert in the country.
Reports said Madonna had arrived in Manila days ahead of her concert that would be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena, the same venue, Arguelles lamented, where Pope Francis met with Filipino families during his visit to the Philippines in January last year.
Works of ‘evil’
Earlier, a Catholic archbishop in Singapore also aired similar concerns over Madonna’s concert slated there on Feb. 28.
Four years ago, Arguelles called on the public to boycott the show of pop artist, Lady Gaga, when she performed in Manila.
Interviewed by telephone, the Batangas prelate criticized Madonna’s music and “suggestive” lifestyle, saying these set a bad example to the youth. He also described the way Madonna dresses as “vulgar.”
Arguelles said his message should serve as a warning to the public not to fall for the works of “evil.”
“Pop music is usually about drugs, rape… Remember [the attack] in Paris? The one performing there then was called ‘Death’ something,” the archbishop said.
Arguelles was referring to the Paris terror attacks last year, when gunmen attacked six different sites resulting in the death of 129 people and wounding of 352. One of the sites attacked by terrorists was the Bataclan concert hall where the American band, Eagles of Death Metal, was performing.
Some of Madonna’s music videos feature religious images and symbols that her critics said disrespected the Catholic Church. Her hits include “Material Girl,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” “Crazy for You,” “Vogue” and “Like a Virgin.”