Bishop to Pokemon Go ‘addicts’: Catch up with Christ, loved ones

A Catholic bishop on Friday reminded players of the smash-hit mobile game “Pokemon Go” that churches are places for prayer and worship and not for Pokemon-hunting.

Bishop Jose Cabantan of Malaybalay, Bukidnon warned against game addiction and urged players of the location-based augmented reality game to make use of their time wisely in more productive tasks.

READ: Pokemon Go tells players to go to church

“[Ang] simbahan ay (The church is a) place of prayer, not for players. Addiction has many forms and we should be aware of that so we can focus our life to what is essential,” Cabantan said over church-run Radyo Veritas.

“Strive to be addicted to Christ than to be addicted with those object’s that keep us away from the Lord, the source of life,” he added.

Many churches in the country have been designated as “Pokestops,” or places that allow players to collect items such as eggs and more Pokeballs in order to capture more Pokemon.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco also reminded Pokemon Go players to spend their time in recreational activities that benefit their physical and mental health as well as their social life and personal relationships.

READ: Go to church to pray, not play, says priest

“Maraming consequence itong mga addict. Kung papaano ‘yung mga addict sa illegal drugs, sa mga games pwedeng makasira ng health, pamilya, relationship… Kaya itong modern technology, itong mga games mag-ingat tayo na sana hindi masira itong mahalaga ang oras ng tao. Gamitin sa tamang panahon. Again sa tamang mga activities para umunlad ang ating pagkatao,” Ongtioco said.

(Addicts face a lot of consequences. Just like those addicted to drugs, those addicted to games may experience a dip in their health and gaps in their families and other relationships. That’s why we have to be careful with modern technology and games and not let them take away much of our time. We should use our time wisely. Engage in activities that will develop our character.)

“To create is to recreate once again ourselves ang ating sarili. Recreate, recreation parang dahil sa pagod medyo nabibigatan ang tao (because of exhaustion, man sometimes loses the appetite) to recreate again to make wholesome ‘yung kanyang kaisipan (his mind), ‘yung kanyang damdamin (his heart), ‘yung kanyang pagkatao (his character),” he added. IDL/rga