Baptism of married priests’ kids draws mixed reactions

CEBU, Philippines – There was condemnation, but there was support. The Ilonggo community has been abuzz with the baptism of children of two married Catholic priests Sunday afternoon in Lambunao town of Iloilo.

Four days before the visit of Pope Francis to the country, Iloilo-based priests Fathers Hector Canto and Jose Elmer Cajilig again called on for optional celibacy in the Catholic Church.

Canto and Cajilig, both wearing their liturgical vestments, concelebrated the baptism rites with Father Jesus Siva, also a married priest, who said baptism was giving the children their dignity; after all, they have done no wrong.

In support of the two’s actions, Netizen Jabbar commented: “If the Church said go and multiply, how come the priests are forbidden to do so?”

However, a certain Andrea believed that, since mandatory celibacy is the rule, they (priests) should have not embraced priesthood if they are not bent on following it. “They should just have gotten out.”

The ceremony was attended by some family members, friends, and parishioners of three priests with families at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in Lambunao.

Interestingly, Canto’s daughter was given the name Gabriel Opcel, a reference for “optional celibacy.” He has three other children with Opcel annexed to their given names.

Meanwhile, Siva, 54, has two sons while Cajilig, 53, has three children with this 27-year-old partner.

On July 14, last year, the the Philippine Statistics Authority granted the three Ilonggo priests with families a legal authority to officiate weddings.

It was four year ago when the three priests established the Compania de los Padres de Familia (Padres de Capilla), Inc. in Lambunao.

Presently, the group has five members but only Canto, Siva, and Cajilig, were given the authority to perform weddings. It is notable, though, that Cajilig has not dipped into marriage since he might lose his fight for optional celibacy.

“Under the Canon Law, being celibate is being in a state of marriage. The fact that I did not marry means I am still celibate,” he added.