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In now-viral videos, the Kapuso star is seen singing secular songs in front of the church altar at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish – an act some netizens consider inappropriate
MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose issued an apology on Thursday, October 10, after getting flak over her controversial performance at a benefit concert held inside a Catholic church in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
In now-viral videos, the Kapuso star is seen singing secular songs in front of the church altar at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar (NSDP) Shrine and Parish — an act which some netizens considered inappropriate.
@sparklegmaartistcenter Julie Anne San Jose never fails to amaze with her incredible vocals! ?✨ She brought the sparkle as the special guest performer at the ‘Heavenly Harmony in Concert’ (Harana para kay Maria) held at Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. ? #JulieAnneSanJose ♬ original sound – Sparkle GMA Artist Center
“This is a lesson learned and it is assured that it will not be repeated,” she said in a social media post. “I am not perfect but please know that I have strong beliefs and my faith is unbreakable and cannot be shaken.”
Sparkle GMA Artist Center said in a statement that they take responsibility for her attendance at the concert, as it is their job “to coordinate and clear details with the organizers and relay the instructions to our artist.”
“Julie Anne only fulfilled her duties and commitment as a true professional. She is a devout Catholic and had no intention of disrespecting the church or its members,” the talent agency said.
The viral performance was part of the “Heavenly Harmony concert – Harana para kay Maria (Serenade for Mary)” held on Sunday, October 6, inside the NSDP parish. San Jose is joined by fellow GMA singer Jessica Villarubin.
Among other activities, the concert is one of the main highlights of this year’s annual Pistahan of Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar) in the town of Mamburao, with all proceeds going to the improvement of the parish.
Following the backlash, parish priest Father Carlito Dimaano apologized for his lapses in organizing the secular concert, which “hurt the feelings of the faithful.”
The parish administration did not explain why the concert was held inside the shrine.
“Kung maibabalik ko lamang po ang panahon, disin sana’y naisakatuparan ng tama at wagas ang gawaing ito na alay kay Maria,” he said on Thursday. “Ipinapangako ko pong hindi na mauulit ang pangyayaring ito.”
(If I can only turn back time, I hope this work dedicated to Mary was carried out correctly and purely. I promise that this event will not happen again.)
The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose-Mindoro, which oversees the NSDP parish, said that it also talked to Dimaano about the incident.
The local parish is known to invite renowned local artists for its annual fiesta celebration. In 2023, singer Maki and OPM band Sunkissed Lola performed during the same celebration at the Mamburao Town Plaza, which is just a few meters away from the NSDP parish.
Are events like these allowed inside the Catholic church? Under Canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law, “only those things which serve the exercise or promotion of worship, piety, or religion are permitted in a sacred place; anything not consonant with the holiness of the place is forbidden,” although bishops can permit other uses “which are not contrary to the holiness of the place.”
What did you think about the performance? Let’s discuss in the faith chat room of the Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
