Bishops to faithful: Prayer before selfie

MANILA, Philippines - Pray first before taking a selfie.

This was the advice issued yesterday by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to the faithful who will flock to churches for the Visita Iglesia this Holy Week.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of CBCP’s Public Affairs Committee, said the Church understands that Filipinos are fond of taking “selfies” and “groufies.”

Secillano said there is nothing wrong with this, provided people will not take pictures of themselves when praying.

Devotees should focus on praying and not allow themselves to be distracted by a photo session, he said.

“You should have to pray first. It’s OK if you are with your friends for as long as you pray together.” 

The Church urged Filipinos to confess, rather than have themselves crucified or whipped to atone for their sins.

“If you want your sins to be forgiven, go to confession and do good deeds. Even if you allow yourself to be nailed on the cross many times and return to your vices afterwards, your crucifixion will be useless,” Secillano said.

To be forgiven, Catholics should reform themselves, he said.