The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed its concern over the legal case filed against Dominican exorcist Father Winston Cabading, acknowledging the potential shortcomings of Church leaders in facilitating dialogue and fostering communion among its faithful.
Retired justice Harriet Demetriou, a Marian devotee, filed a complaint against Father Cabading, accusing him of “offending religious feelings” due to his criticism of the authenticity of the 1948 Lipa Apparitions, specifically the title of “Mediatrix of All Grace” associated with the reported apparition of Mary in Lipa, Batangas. The Vatican and the CBCP have previously stated that there is no supernatural basis to these reported apparitions, a position upheld by Church authorities.
CBCP President Bishop Pablo Virgilio David addressed the issue, expressing concern that the case has caused a scandal among the faithful, particularly in the digital age where opposing views can quickly ignite conflicts on various social media platforms. He humbly acknowledged the Church’s possible shortcomings in facilitating dialogue and promoting unity among Catholics who hold differing beliefs on matters of faith. Bishop David extended a humble plea for forgiveness for any failures in this regard.
“That a Catholic would feel the need to seek recourse to the civil court for the resolution of an issue that has to do with matters of faith is extremely disheartening, to say the least. I wouldn’t be surprised if the court rules it to be beyond its competence,” he said in a statement.
Bishop David emphasized that resorting to civil courts to resolve matters of faith is disheartening, but he acknowledged that the court case is beyond the CBCP’s purview as it is pending in a court of law. The CBCP is, therefore, bound by the sub judice rule, preventing them from issuing a statement of support for Father Cabading.
The case against Father Cabading is rooted in a statutory law of the Philippines, specifically Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes acts that are deemed notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful during religious worship or ceremonies. The priest was arrested on May 13 but posted bail two days later.
Father Cabading, a theology instructor at the University of Santo Tomas and a former secretary-general and vice rector, maintains his innocence and asserts his right to free speech. He argues that his statements made in a 2019 exorcism conference, which were cited in the case against him, are protected by the Constitution.
While the CBCP refrained from making a definitive statement on the case, Bishop David cautioned against labeling the reported Lipa apparition as “demonic.” He emphasized that such judgments require serious discernment and the guidance of bishops, who have so far upheld the decision of Rome on the matter. He urged Catholics to refrain from making serious comments, particularly on social media, and to respect the Church’s position.
Support for Father Cabading has emerged from various Catholic organizations, including the Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists, who assert that the priest was merely reiterating the Church’s position on the authenticity of the Lipa Apparitions.
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