Bride Scolded by Priest for Being Late Receives Support from Local Suppliers

A wedding in Amlan, Negros Oriental became the center of controversy when a mix-up led to the bride being scolded by a priest for being late. The parish priest of Saint Andrew Parish Church, Msgr. Albert Erasmo Bohol, issued a public apology on behalf of the parish, attributing the incident to miscommunication.

Incident Overview:

The wedding of Janine Seit Suelto-Sagario and Jove Deo Gracias Sagario was originally scheduled for 8 a.m. on June 8, 2024. However, a godmother informed the couple the night before that the ceremony had been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. This misinformation led the couple to arrive at 8:45 a.m., expecting the later start. When they arrived, they were reprimanded by church staff for being late, causing significant distress. The officiating priest began the Mass while the bride was still walking down the aisle, leading to a hurried and emotionally charged ceremony.

Priest's Apology:

Msgr. Bohol clarified that no official change to the wedding schedule had been authorized by the parish, as there was a scheduled funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. He apologized for the confusion and acknowledged that statements made by the officiating priest were emotionally charged and inappropriate. He also apologized to the bereaved family who had to wait for the wedding to conclude.

Bride's Reaction:

Janine Suelto-Sagario took to social media to express her grievances, describing the ordeal as deeply painful and humiliating. Videos shared online showed the priest reprimanding the couple and starting the Mass before the bride reached the altar. The incident went viral, garnering widespread attention and sympathy.

Community Support:

Moved by the bride's story, local wedding suppliers in Negros Oriental rallied to offer their services for free to help recreate the couple's wedding. Led by wedding violinist John Lester Barot, a "Take Two" wedding is scheduled for June 17, 2024. Sponsors have pledged to provide various services, including a host, bridal car, photography, and a new bridal gown. The community's efforts aim to ensure the couple gets a memorable wedding experience despite the previous mishap.

Barot urged the public to focus on the positive outcome and support the couple's new beginning, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and goodwill.

In conclusion, while the initial wedding day was marred by miscommunication and emotional distress, the local community's response has turned the situation around, offering the couple a chance to celebrate their love anew with the support and generosity of their neighbors.