‘Back to basic’ rules inside San Fabian church
SAN FABIAN—Don’t wear revealing clothes and don’t eat inside the church.
These are only two of “back to basic” rules that have been set recently by the parish priest when setting foot inside the Catholic parish church of San Fabian.
Rev. Father Oliver Mendoza, parish priest of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr church here, has issued a list of 10 reminders to parishioners to keep the celebration of the Holy Mass and the church, as house of prayer sacred.
At the top of the list of 10 reminders promoted, he asks parishioners to refrain from wearing “revealing and seductive clothes” such as miniskirts and short pants. He noted that members of bridal entourage now wear backless or off-shoulder gowns as if they are going to a dance party, not to participate in the administering of a holy sacrament.
Mendoza has been going around the town’s different barangays to promote the reminders which he said forms part of “sacrifice pleasing to God”.
“Lapud say simbaan so bibirbiren ya abong na Dios tan say kiwawala na Dios so mangiiter na kinasanto na sayan pasen, nepeg met labat ya ipanengneng tayo ed saray kiwas tayo so panangiter na galang tan dayew ed sayan masagradon pasen,” he said.
Food and drinks are banned inside the church and “If a baby is hungry or thirsty, he must be fed outside the church during Mass,” he emphasized.
He said it is also impolite to chew gum or eat candy inside the church.
Mendoza also noted that some parishioners indiscriminately litter inside the church, from empty cigarette packs to package covers and plastic bags.
Parishioners have been also advised to finish all their personal grooming routine before entering the church, i.e., combing one’s hair and putting on facial powder. Be punctual, he continued.
He listed traditional Catholic practices when entering the church, i.e., remove one’s cap or hat, make the sign of the cross (as a reminder of one’s baptism), genuflect before proceeding to the church’s pews (to show respect to the divinity of God’s presence in the church).
“Children must not be allowed to bring balloons or toys, and to play inside the church while adults should avoid private discussions and must put their mobile phones on silent mode,” he added.
Mendoza said his parish’s 10 reminders is in response to the fraternal letter issued by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas in January for a truly meaningful Mass celebration.#
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