Desecration of church in Reggino

Case information
Incident date
Country
Italy
Place
Melito Porto Salvo
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Political
  • Satanist Symbols
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Desecration
  • Theft
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Organized Hate Groups
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: CalabriaDirectNews

The church of San Giuseppe, in Melito Porto Salvo, in Reggino, was desecrated by unknown individuals. The perpetrators damaged the security cameras, forced entry into the church, stole the consecrated host and scatter the others. Furthermore, a sacred vessel was also taken.

Authorities are investigating the incident, which bears similarities to a recent act of sacrilege in Bovalino Superiore. The Church of Santa Maria ad Nives was vandalised and then re-consecrated in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Francesco Oliva.

Concerns have been raised by Vincenzo Speziali, a member of the UdC, who suggests a possible link to the activities of satanic sects.

Sources