Catholic diocese suspends priest for riding a hoverboard during Mass

A Catholic priest in the Philippines has been suspended after he rode around on a hoverboard during Christmas Eve services.

Video shot during the final blessing of the Mass shows the unidentified priest singing a Christmas song while going up and down the aisle on the hoverboard, with church members clapping and letting out cheers. The diocese of San Pablo in Laguna is not amused, and released a statement saying that what the priest did was "wrong" because "the Eucharist demands utmost respect and reverence" and is "not a personal celebration where one can capriciously introduce something to get the attention of the people."

The diocese said the incident was a "wake-up call" for the priest, who will "spend some time to reflect on this past event" — most likely with both feet on the ground. Catherine Garcia

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up