Priest who berated unwed mother at baptismal says sorry

MANILA, Philippines - The priest who berated an unwed single mother who wanted her child baptized apologized on Tuesday, after a video of him chastising the 17-year-old mother went viral online.

"I am now making a public heartfelt apology to the mother of the child and her immediate family. The words I said and the rude attitude that I showed before I performed the rite of baptism last Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Jagobiao, Mandaue City was indeed unbecoming," Fr. Romeo Obach of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer said in a statement.

The priest drew flak from citizens online after the sister of the young mother involved posted a video of the incident in social media. In the video below, the priest is seen talking in Cebuano, asking the young mother if she wasn't ashamed sleeping with a man who wasn't her husband.

"I only later realized how cruel my ways to educate and impart lessons for the said event. I am deeply sorry to the mother of the child, her relatives, the sponsors and the witnesses of the incident. I am sorry to the Internet viewers, to media listeners and viewers for this mistake I personally admit. I am deeply sorry and I humbly ask your forgiveness," Obach said.

It was earlier reported that the child was born out of wedlock after the young mother's boyfriend left her for another girl. The young mother reportedly attempted to kill herself but later sought psychological intervention.

In an interview with The Freeman, Msgr. Esteban Binghay, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu said Obach should have respected the young mother as her decision to bear the child was already commendable.

Pope Francis has earlier told priests to baptize children of unmarried women to pass on the Christian faith.