A viral video capturing a confrontation between a priest and palm vendors outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Cainta, Rizal has sparked widespread discussion on social media, prompting the church to release a clarifying statement.
The incident occurred on Palm Sunday morning, showing a priest scolding vendors and ordering them to leave the church compound. The video quickly went viral, igniting mixed reactions from netizens at the start of Holy Week.
According to the parish’s official statement, the circulating video was “cut” and presented with “bias,” omitting the full context of what led to the confrontation. Church officials had reportedly warned the vendors earlier in the day not to sell within the church premises, but some allegedly ignored the request. It was only when the parish priest came out to enforce the rule that the argument ensued personally.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the vendors had been reminded not to operate near the church. “They were warned this morning,” said one churchgoer. “But some didn’t listen. The priest had to step in.”
Supporters of the priest defended his actions, stressing the need to follow church guidelines. One social media user remarked, “Respect for the church should come first. They were informed not to sell there.”
However, others expressed disappointment over the priest’s tone, saying that the confrontation could have been handled with more compassion. “Even if the vendors disobeyed, shouting wasn’t the answer,” one netizen said. “It’s Palm Sunday, a time for peace.”
The church acknowledged that the video hurt some members of the faithful and urged the public not to share content that could cause division. “Let us promote unity and understanding,” the parish’s statement read.
The incident has since sparked a broader conversation online about balancing discipline and empathy, especially during Holy Week—a time marked by prayer, reflection, and humility in the Catholic faith.
While no further official statement has been released, many netizens continue to call for dialogue and understanding on both sides, recognizing the tension between religious order and the livelihood of small vendors.
The event serves as a reminder of the need for respectful communication and compassion, especially in moments of conflict tied to faith and tradition.