Kim Atienza has accepted the apology of a Catholic priest whose homily drew criticism for remarks about depression that many considered ‘insensitive.’
In a Facebook post on Saturday, July 25, Atienza thanked Rev. Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus for apologizing over his previous remarks, saying the incident had sparked an important conversation about mental health.
‘Dearest Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus. Thank you so much for the post and your apology. It is well taken,’ Atienza wrote. ‘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,’ the TV host added.
In his apology, Gatus acknowledged that his remarks had caused pain and apologized to Atienza, his family, and those living with depression.
‘From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry,’ the priest wrote. ‘It was never my intention to hurt you or your family, nor was it my intention to discredit the experiences of those who suffer from depression.’
Gatus explained that his intention was to encourage people to find hope and recognize God’s blessings despite life’s hardships, but said he now understood 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 continued.
The priest also expressed sympathy to Atienza and his family over the death of the television host’s youngest daughter, Emman, who died last year after battling depression.
‘I cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a child,’ Gatus wrote. ‘If my words reopened wounds or added to your burden, I am deeply sorry.’
The priest added that the incident reminded him to ‘speak the truth with greater compassion and sensitivity’ in his ministry.
The controversy stemmed from a quote attributed to Gatus during a homily, which read: ‘Ang daming taong may sakit sa ospital lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay. Ikaw na pagkalusog-lusog nadedepress.’
Atienza responded by sharing the quote card on Facebook, stressing that depression is a medical condition rather than a sign of weakness.
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,’ the TV host wrote