MANILA, Philippines – A Catholic priest who went viral for riding a popular scooter, hoverboard, during Christmas Eve Mass inside a church in Biñan, Laguna, apologized after his suspension.
The “hoverboard priest”, Fr. Albert San Jose of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish, owned up to his "mistake" and vowed that “it will not happen again.”
San Jose said that the incident was a “wake up call.” His apology was contained in a statement released by the Diocese of San Pablo on Tuesday.
“He will be out of the parish and will spend some time to reflect on this past event. He would like to apologize for what happened,” the archdiocese said.
San Jose went viral after a video caught him riding a hoverboard while singing to the congregation before the final blessing of the Christmas Eve Mass.
The priest sang a Christmas song while riding the popular scooter and went around a church to greet his parishioners.
READ: Did ‘hoverboard priest’ go overboard?
"That was wrong,” the archdiocese said, citing that the Eucharist is the Church’s “highest form” of worship.
"The Eucharist demands utmost respect and reverence. It is the Memorial of the Lord’s Sacrifice. It is the source and summit of Christian life,” the archdiocese said.
“Consequently, it is not a personal celebration where one can capriciously introduce something to get the attention of the people,” it added.