MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Cebu has temporarily closed the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey in Liloan following a violent incident inside the church that left a woman dead, church officials confirmed Saturday.
Archbishop Alberto Uy said the decision came after an initial investigation found that the crime, captured on CCTV, took place within the church premises. The woman, who has yet to be identified, reportedly suffered fatal head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
“After reviewing the available evidence, it is clear that the sacred space was desecrated by an act of grave violence,” Uy said in a statement. “This has caused deep pain and scandal among the faithful of Liloan and beyond.”
Citing Canon Law, the archbishop decreed the temporary closure of the parish, explaining that worship and other religious activities would be suspended until a penitential rite is held to restore the church’s sanctity.
“A sacred place is desecrated when it suffers grave injury through acts that show serious disrespect and cause scandal to the faithful,” Uy said. “Worship may only resume after the injury has been repaired through the prescribed rite.”
Uy expressed condolences to the victim’s family and denounced the violence.
“We join the community in mourning and praying for the victim and her loved ones,” he said. “This act of violence inside a house of God is deeply disturbing and must be condemned.”
The archbishop also called for calm, urging the faithful to respond with compassion rather than anger.
“Let us reaffirm our respect for every human person and for the sanctity of our sacred spaces,” Uy added.
Local authorities continue to investigate the crime.
