BACACAY, Albay, Philippines – Bishop Lucilo Quimbao of the Diocese of Legazpi confirmed Saturday that Roman Catholic priests in Albay had been ordered not to say Mass for Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran, whose remains were flown to his home province of Albay yesterday morning.In a mobile phone interview Saturday afternoon, Quiambao said Catholic priests could not say Mass for Ka Bel because "he was not Catholic."He added that the Catholic Church had nothing to do with funeral services of those from other religions.Quiambao said what was only allowed of priests was to hold an ecumenical service or a prayer for the dead but not to say Mass.Olive Beltran-Lalusis, 45, Ka Bel's fourth daughter, said the family expected that Ka Bel's remains would be blessed in a cathedral in Legazpi City.But due to radio reports that diocesan priests were ordered refuse to say Mass for Ka Bel, his remains were were instead taken to the Redemptorist church, a small congregation in Gogon Legazpi City where a Mass was held.
RSS Feed