The Salesian parish in Cuneo reported repeated vandalism, disturbances and violence, including spitting on pews and kneelers, damaging a confessional, and throwing stones at a parishioner, and intimidating people at prayer. The incidents have caused concern among the deeply affected the parish community, and the parish priest has called for communal unity to ensure the church remains respected by all.
In a report from 7 October, the Salesian Parish of Saint John Bosco in Cuneo has reported a series of vandalism, disturbances and violence. The parish also reported the presence of a group of teenagers who have been repeatedly disrupting and damaging the church and oratory over the previous month in a "crude manner." Among the incidents are damage to sacred furnishings, a confessional, spitting and graffiti on the pews, throwing stones at a parishioner, and intimidating people at prayer.
Along with those attacks the parish also reported a theft of a sacred relic of the religious order's founder, John Bosco. The theft of the relic, a liturgical chalice, was discovered on 4 October whilst Father Thierry Pierre Dourland, director of the Salesians, was preparing for Mass.
Referring to both the repeated vandalism and the theft, Father Dourland stated: "We are hurt by what happened, but not discouraged," and wishes for the "collaboration of families, institutions, and citizens to ensure that the oratory remains a safe, welcoming, and respected place for all."
Sources: cuneo24, lastampa, targatocn
Symbolic Image: Pixabay