By Gabriela Baron
The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Senior High School said it suspended masses after students went viral online for stealing “ostiya” (sacramental bread).
In a now-deleted Tweet, the student posted a “review” on the said sacramental bread.
The student rated the “ostiya’s” “design, crispness, and taste.”
In response, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS), suspended its masses starting March 21.
Meanwhile, in a statement, ASHS Campus Ministry Office issued an apology to the entire ASHS community.
“We also want to clarify sacrilege and what reparation and atonement are needed to heal from this act,” the statement read.
It also went to explain that sacrilege is a grave sin committed against sacred persons or things, particularly those consecrated to God.
“In the Catholic Church, it is an offense against the holiness of God and His Church,” ASHS Campus Ministry Office noted.
“The Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic Faith, is the most sacred and central and central act of worship for us,” it also noted.
ASHS Campus Ministry said “any act that shows disrespect, irreverence, or contempt towards the Eucharist, or any other sacred object, is considered sacrilegious,” it added.
ASHS Campus Ministry also vowed to “take responsibility for this grave offense and take the necessary steps to repair the harm done.” -ag
