The church of Maria Santissima Adolorata was desecrated and wafers were stolen in the town of Grottasanta, in the Italian region of Syracuse.
Newsroom (28/06/2023 14:10, Gaudium Press) The church of Maria Santissima Adolorata was desecrated and an ambo with consecrated hosts was stolen, in the city of Grottasanta, in the Italian region of Syracuse.
The tabernacle, which is fixed, shows clear signs that the criminals had to use force to break through the small door.
The desecration and theft of sacred objects took place in the early morning hours of June 27. The crime was discovered when Father Felice opened the church at 7 am.
The priest discovered a terrible scene: the door of the Tabernacle had been broken and objects had been turned over. The criminals stole a ciborium with consecrated hosts, the teak with the magnum opus, and a small crucifix.
The bandits also tried to take the pulpit, but it was abandoned in the street during the escape. The bandits allegedly entered the church after forcing the back door.
Police are Investigating the Crime
The faithful called the act an “intolerable desecration” and decided to hold a prayer vigil in reparation for the outrage committed against the Eucharist and the Church.
Some bystanders reportedly saw a man leave the church and get on a bicycle with something resembling the church collection basket. The parish priest has filed a police report and the police are investigating the crime.
Security System and Act of Reparation
The Italian priest Francesco Bamonte, president of the International Association of Exorcists (IEA), explained that nowadays it is necessary to strengthen vigilance during the distribution of the Eucharist and also to use the necessary means of security, such as cameras and alarms, to protect churches.
Father Bamonte recalled the need to pray for the conversion of the desecrators but also encouraged a private and public act of Eucharistic reparation in religious communities and parishes. (FM)
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