The Church of Saint-Symphorien in the small French town of Genouilly was the victim of burglary and a sacrilegious theft. Authorities called for an inquiry into the crime

Newsroom (07/01/2022 7:00 PM, Gaudium Press) The Church of Saint–Symphorien in the French town of Genouilly in the Val-de-Loire was broken into and desecrated last weekend.

The criminals broke down the door of the tabernacle and stole two ciboriums containing consecrated hosts.

Deacon Henri Steegmans was the first to notice what had happened. He is responsible for opening the Church on Sundays before Mass.

When Deacon Steegmans arrived at the Church, he noticed that the door was already open, the tabernacle was broken, and two ciboriums were missing.

Probably the desecrators had forced their way in through the side door with a crowbar. Besides the hosts, an ostensory and a candle holder were also stolen.

The municipality, the owner of the building, has arranged for the locks to be changed and reinforced. The local priest, Father Olivier Crestois, and the mayor, Michel Legendre, have together called for an inquiry into the crime.

About 15 years ago, thieves stole objects from the sacristy. In 2015, the Notre-Dame de Vierzon church also had a ciborium stolen. (FM)

With files from Le Berry Républicain

Compiled bu Gustavo Kralj