By Gabriela Baron
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines (CBCP) said it is taking the blame over the arrest of Fr. Winston Cabading.
Cabading, 57, an exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism, was arrested at the Caleruega Church in Batangas on May 13 “for offending religious feelings.”
In a news release posted on CBCP’s website on May 28, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of CBCP, said the contention “may also be indicative of our shortcomings as Church leaders in facilitating dialogues.”
“We beg for forgiveness for this shortcoming,” David said.
He also admitted they are “perplexed” by the legal battle, adding that Catholics are “in conflict with each other over matters of faith.”
“It is extremely disheartening, to say the least. It does a scandal to the faithful,” David continued.
“This is especially true in the age of digital technology when individuals and groups that are for or against the issue can quickly react against each other in various social media platforms in a matter bereft of Christian clarity,” the bishop added.
David, however, refused to comment on the case, saying that it is now with the court.
“[I] wouldn’t be surprised if the court rules it to be beyond its competence,” he added.
This after retired justice Harriet Demetriou, a devout Catholic and Marian devotee, filed a case against Cabading for allegedly violating Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.
The case was in connection to Cabading’s statements in a radio interview on the authenticity of the controversial 1948 Lipa Apparitions of Our Lady of Mediatrix.
Cabading posted bail and was freed on provisional liberty on May 15.
If convicted, he could face up to two years and four months in prison.
The Vatican and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines have repeatedly said there is nothing supernatural about the 1948 Lipa apparitions.
READ MORE: Filipino exorcists rally behind arrested priest
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