By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Parishioners of the Queen of Peace Church at the St. John’s Institute (SJI) wore black and were seen crying yesterday morning as Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon conducted a final mass and stripped the church of its blessed sacrament, effectively preventing any more sacraments from being administered there.
In the decree read by Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Roy Christian Gesulgon, the Bishop said the edifice is not longer a parish and diocesan shrine and all church services are suspended, including worship at its adoration chapel. All clergy, diocesan, and religious ministers will not be allowed to celebrate Catholic rites in the former parish church.
SJI Vice President Arabel Lopue expressed sadness over the move but said school administrators will respect the decision.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was in attendance at yesterday’s mass, said the former church has sentimental value to him as it was where he and his wife Elsa were married. It was also where their son, EJ, was baptized.
“It is really sad that it happened,” said the Mayor.
Buzon also issued a separate decree saying the parish community of Queen of Peace will be temporarily be attached to the Redemptorist Shrine until a new parish church is constructed or established.
The appointed priests in the said parish, Frs. Arnold Deletina and Raymon Asoy, will also continue to minister to the pastoral needs of displaced community.
The decree added, a temporary office for the Queen of Peace community will also be provided at the Redemptorist Shrine Rectory, where all records of the parish will be placed for safekeeping.
In an interview with media following the mass, Buzon insisted SJI is no longer considered a Catholic school as the diocese has removed all of its priests and religious ministers from the institution.
“What makes a Catholic school is, first, recognition of the Bishop, and the presence of religious congregations, like those with La Salle (The University of St. La Salle) for example,” Buzon stressed./WDJ