Church looks into "Christ on wall"

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu has already sent Church officials to investigate the alleged likeness of Christ that formed in a wall in Danao City’s public market and is now attracting its own share of devotees.

Fr. Emilio Bataclan, bishop-in-charge of the Cebu fourth district which covers Danao City, said presidents of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Committee on Worship were already tasked to report on the matter.

Bataclan, who learned of the matter last Sunday evening, said they have yet to receive the report although they already received information that the likeness in one of the walls of the city’s public market is just being used for monetary purposes.

“There are rumors it is being used to sell miracle oils and candles. If it comes to that then we are wary,” Bataclan said in Cebuano.

The bishop said they will then send a priest to the area to correct what the people wrongfully believe.

Since Friday evening people have been coming to see the wall and its alleged likeness of Christ.

Some have laid out offerings like candles, flowers and a small image of the Sto. Niño at the foot of the wall.

Bataclan called on the people not to immediately believe hearsay until the truth is sorted out.

The bishop recalled another incident in Cebu two years ago when a statue of the Virgin Mary suddenly “appeared” up a tree.

Bataclan said some people said it was a miracle but others said they saw a boy climb a tree with the image shortly before it “appeared”.

Bataclan said before anything is declared a miracle it will have to go through a process and investigation by the Church.

“We ask others to keep an open mind, but we also should not make conclusions immediately,” he said.

Some of the vendors in the market fear the appearance of the likeness may foretell a calamity. (FREEMAN)