Jan Angelo Batongbakal

Kuya Kim Atienza accepts priest’s apology after calling him out: ‘I know you mean well’

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

Push Team

<p>Kapuso broadcaster Kim Atienza has accepted the public apology made by Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus following his controversial take on depression earlier this month. In a series of Facebook posts on his account, the celebrity father shared the screenshot of the priest’s apology and his reply to him.</p><div> </div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkuyakimatienzaph%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02QxB5TKKLibNZb2rUnRjsRPfpAG9zK5YiaVFAc2LktznxeLfEgjCGEfaEHDDMT1jl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="716" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In his homily, the Catholic priest previously compared the people who are in the hospital fighting for their lives to those who are at home and facing depression.</p><p>“Ang daming taong may sakit sa ospital na lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay. Ikaw na pagkalusog-lusog, nade-depress,” the priest previously said.</p><p>This comparison did not sit well with Kim.</p><p>“Depression is a sickness, a medical condition. Ang taong may mental illness ay lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay at ayaw magpa-ospital dahil sa ganitong stigma, sa ganitong pag-iisip Father,” Kim responded.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkuyakimatienzaph%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0vCzdtEoyzzcZ462YnbSRZET2EbpE99Sbv2qYdnrYisN2x8RxsVfHAtsxJ63n5w7Al&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="498" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In response to what Kim shared, Fr. Jowel shared a lengthy apology letter. In it, he explained that it wasn’t his intention to make light of those who are facing depression. He admitted how he now realizes that his words could’ve sounded “diminishing” for other people.</p><p>“As a priest, my desire has always been to bring hope to people who are suffering. The point I was trying to make was that, in the midst of life’s trials, we should not lose sight of  the blessings that God continues to give us. I wanted to encourage people to find reasons to hope instead of allowing suffering to have the final word,” Fr. Jowel wrote.</p><p>He also made sure to apologize to everyone who found his remarks insensitive and assured them that he will continue to learn from it and continue to spread the good word of his faith.</p><p>“But I also understand that depression is not simply a matter of choosing to be grateful or choosing to be strong. It is a profound suffering that many carry silently. Those who experience it deserve compassion, understanding, prayer, and the support of people who will walk with them,” he said.</p><p>“May the Lord continue to comfort you and your family, grant eternal peace to your beloved daughter, and give all of us the grace to become more understanding, more compassionate, and more attentive to those who silently carry heavy crosses,” he ended.</p><p>The Kapuso artist then shared that he has accepted the apology and knows that the priest meant well with his words during his homily. </p><p>“Your statement opened a conversation that is timely and urgent. Talking about it now saves young lives. I am sorry as well that some took it personally because they themselves are depressed or have lost loved ones because of depression. I know you mean well. Take care Father and all the best,” Kim wrote.</p><p>Kim has been a mental health advocate and has been sharing more about his journey on his social media accounts.</p>

<p>After calling him out on social media, Kuya Kim Atienza shared that he accepted the apology of the Catholic priest.</p>

After calling him out on social media, Kuya Kim Atienza shared that he accepted the apology of the Catholic priest.