On 18 August 2026, the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire in Oggiona con Santo Stefano was broken into and sacred objects, including a ciborium containing consecrated hosts, were stolen. The theft caused deep sadness among parishioners and affected objects of particular religious and devotional significance to the local community.
The incident occurred on 18 August 2026 at the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire in Oggiona con Santo Stefano. The perpetrators forced and damaged a door to enter the sacristy and stole several chalices and a ciborium containing consecrated hosts, as well as objects belonging to the Madonna’s devotional collection, including a belt which has historical devotional significance for the faithful, and rosaries. They also reportedly attempted to steal two crowns from the statue, but were unsuccessful.
The theft of consecrated hosts constitutes a grave sacrilege, since the Eucharist stands at the centre of the Catholic faith. Parish priest, Don Giuseppe Pellegatta, described the incident as having caused "profound sadness among the parishioners" and that the damage was not only material but also affected the faithful who are attached to the church and its sacred objects.
Source: laprovinciadivarese, varesenews
Image: Wiki Commons
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