Priest sparks controversy with poolside mass in Cádiz

Spanish media describe the case of Fr. Marco Antonio Martinez Moreno, whose photo went viral on social media. The priest reportedly conducted a mass at a pool with beachgoers in swimsuits. The Salesian priest from Cádiz caused quite a stir and had to explain himself.

According to the portal infovaticana.com, the photo was taken during a Salesian camp in the town of Islantilla in the province of Huelva. The photograph shows the priest with two beachgoers. Fr. Marco Antonio Martinez Moreno is dressed in a white robe, but the young people holding the chalice and host are in swimsuits.

The photo is known to have been taken at a pool. After all, the young people look like they had just come out of the water. However, it was unclear whether the photo was actually taken during the mass. Interestingly, Fr. Moreno himself published it on his social media profile.

Conduct the Eucharist, morning prayer, and the sacrament of reconciliation so that children live normally throughout the year, as they are accustomed to, and not only in exceptional moments - the priest wrote in the photo description.

The Diocese of Jerez de la Frontera released a statement regarding the photo that outraged public opinion. According to the statement, the bishop asked the priest for explanations. Fr. Moreno explained that the photo wasn't taken during the holy mass, but during an explanation of individual parts of the Eucharist. The situation captured in the photo took place before the service began.

I am very sorry for what may have harmed our beloved Church - the priest said, quoted by the diocese.

The Spanish priest was reminded that this behaviour is not acceptable. Fr. Moreno received a warning from the bishop. However, it is worth noting that this is not the first time the Salesian from Cádiz has attracted attention. In 2020, the priest was said to have performed magic tricks during the Eucharist, attended by students.