A Catholic priest has found himself in hot water after a viral TikTok video captured him smacking a young altar boy during a wedding ceremony.
The incident, which took place during the exchange of vows, has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with netizens expressing their outrage at the clergyman’s behaviour.
In the video, the priest is seen leading the couple through their vows while being assisted by the young altar boy, who was holding the microphone toward the bridegroom. However, the boy’s small stature seemed to make the task challenging, and as his hands grew tired, the microphone began to dip slightly. Instead of gently guiding or correcting the child, the priest abruptly smacked him on the head and pushed his hands back up to face the groom.
This unexpected act left viewers stunned, with many taking to TikTok’s comment section to express their disapproval.
“If he is doing this in public, what about when he is not seen” one user lamented.
“Angekua Mtoto wangu huyu father angejua”added another.
Amid the criticism, some commenters tried to make light of the situation, suggesting the priest was perhaps stressed during the high-pressure ceremony. Others argued that such physical reprimands are outdated and reflect poorly on the church’s image.
The video continues to gain traction, with people debating whether the incident was a display of unnecessary aggression or a reflection of cultural practices where physical correction is normalized.
As of now, there has been no official response from the church involved, and it remains to be seen whether the priest will face any disciplinary action. However, the incident has fueled conversations about how religious leaders handle young assistants and the need for empathy, especially in public settings.
One thing is certain: the priest’s attempt to keep things in order has backfired spectacularly, turning what should have been a joyous moment into an internet sensation.