On 29 August 2026, unknown perpetrators vandalised a Catholic cemetery chapel in Bari, completely destroying its altar and smashing a statue of the Virgin Mary. An empty tabernacle and priestly vestments were also stolen, causing deep pain within the local Catholic community, particularly as the incident occurred shortly before the chapel's patronal feast.
The incident occurred at a Catholic cemetery chapel in the Santo Spirito district of Bari. The perpetrators completely destroyed the altar and smashed a statue of Mary. They also stole an empty tabernacle and priestly vestments.
The damage was discovered by parish clergy who had arrived at the cemetery to celebrate a memorial service for deceased parishioners. The timing was particularly painful for the parish since the attack occurred on the eve of the chapel's patronal feast.
The local priests condemned the incident as a "vile act" and said that it had caused "deep pain to the entire community," while expressing their intention to celebrate the feast with particular devotion and their firm belief "in the triumph of hope over violence."
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