On 2 October, two Catholic churches in the Nord department of France were broken into and desecrated. In both incidents, the tabernacles were forced open and consecrated hosts were stolen. Sacred vessels and other religious objects were also taken, prompting complaints to the gendarmerie, shock from the local authorities, and and plans for a Mass of reparation.
At Saint-Médard Church in Camphin-en-Carembault, parishioners noticed unusual circumstances inside the church when the altar crucifix and two candlesticks were missing, and the tabernacle had been forced open. As the report states: "Even more serious, the tabernacle, where the consecrated hosts, the real presence of Christ for Catholics, are kept, had been broken into." It was found that the chalice and ciborium containing consecrated hosts were stolen from inside the tabernacle.
A second incident occurred at Saint-Martin Church in nearby Chemy. The perpetrators reportedly entered through a rear door, forced open the tabernacle and took consecrated hosts and liturgical objects. The mayor filed a complaint, and stated the shock of the community: "I am saddened that anyone would attack a place of worship that should be respected." He condemned the attack on a place of worship valued by the local community.
The mayor of the Camphin-en-Carembault expressed anger and sadness over the profanation, stating: "Like many residents, I feel a great deal of anger and sadness that a place like the church has been desecrated, whether one is a believer or not. We are deeply hurt." A complaint was filed with the gendarmerie for theft and profanation.
A Mass of Reparation for Saint-Martin Church was scheduled to be celebrated by the diocesan bishop on 22 October, according to the obligations of Canon Law before the reopening of the Church.
Source: lejdd, lavoixdunord
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