Beware of fake priests in cemeteries, memorial parks

ACatholic prelate has discouraged the faithful from giving money to those who will bless the tombs of their departed loved ones this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

This way, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said, it protects the faithful from falling victim to “fake priests” who take advantage of the occasion through this money-making scheme.

“Here in the Archdiocese of Manila, the priests were also strict on that. They also asked the people the same thing,” he said in an interview.

“Priests in some areas also hold Masses in cemeteries then bless the dead, especially in Catholic cemeteries,” added Pabillo.

The prelate, however, admitted that they don’t have the capability to monitor such racket.

“We cannot police all areas, especially public cemeteries,” Pabillo said.

While asking a priest to show his “celebret” would be helpful in proving their authenticity, he said this is not applicable to lay ministers.

“Sometimes it’s not the priest who blesses the tombs, there are seminarians and lay ministers,” Pabillo added.

According to Catholic dictionary, a celebret is a document stating that the owner is a priest in good standing and requesting that he be permitted to say Mass which must be signed by his bishop or religious superior.

In the event that no priest or lay minister is around to bless their dead, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on the Laity said the faithful themselves can do the blessing.

“Some parishes give out a copy of the prayer for the dead which you can bring to the cemetery and recite there. They can also bring holy water which they can sprinkle on the tombs,” said Pabillo.

All Saints’ Day is a solemn holiday commemorated annually on November 1, in honor of all the known and unknown saints of the Catholic Church.

All Souls’ Day commemorated every second of November is the Catholic day of remembrance for the friends and loved ones who passed away. In the Philippines, this holiday is called “Undas.” During this time, Filipino families traditionally visit cemeteries and hold gatherings around the graves of their departed loved ones and lay out flowers and candles.