By Marisol Bo-oc| 09:03 PM August 05, 2025
JIMENEZ, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – The Archdiocese of Ozamis has temporarily closed St. John the Baptist Church in Jimenez after a viral video showed a content creator spitting into its holy water container, an act the Church called a “grave offense against the sanctity of sacred objects.”
The video, originally posted by a netizen, sparked outrage online and in religious communities. It captured the vlogger—known for comedic content and followed by over 115,000 people—mocking the sacred ritual by defiling the holy water used by Catholic faithful for blessings and purification.
Archbishop Martin Sarmiento Jumoad condemned the act and ordered the closure of the church to allow time for a pastoral assessment and acts of penance.
“We cannot take this lightly. This is a grave offense, not only against the physical church but also against the faith of the people,” Archbishop Jumoad said in a statement.
Following public backlash, the content creator has since deleted the video from social media platforms. The Archdiocese has not yet disclosed whether legal action will be pursued but emphasized that spiritual reparations must be made before the church reopens.
No timeline has been given for the reopening, but Church officials said it will remain closed until proper rites of reparation and spiritual healing are completed.
