During Mass, Argentine priest leads congregation in political chant used against Milei

ACI Prensa Staff, Jun 13, 2024 / 15:40 pm (CNA).

A Catholic priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, incorporated into the celebration of the Mass a political chorus used in protests against the government of President Javier Milei.

The irregular act took place at the Argentine capital city’s Holy Cross Parish on June 9, when the parish’s pastor, Father Carlos Saracini, led the congregation in repeatedly singing “The homeland is not for sale” (“La patria no se vende”), a chant routinely used in political protests against the administration of the country’s president, Javier Milei.

Saracini intoned the chant during the presentation of the offerings portion of the Mass, when the priest presents to God the gifts of bread and wine that, later, in the consecration, will become the body and blood of Christ. The moment was captured on social media networks.

Discussing his action in a local radio interview, Saracini confirmed that “I started the chant of ‘The homeland is not for sale’ because it is not for sale, it is our resources, our people, our work,” he said. “The song interprets what many of us believe; that is why it can be prayer.”

“It seemed pertinent to me that the song be part of the offering, due to the terrible situation we are experiencing as a country,” Saracini insisted. In response to an inquiry by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires said it will not issue any statement about the matter.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.