A medieval holy water stela was deliberately toppled and severely damaged inside Altenberg Cathedral in North Rhine-Westphalia. Parish officials ruled out an accident due to the size and weight of the object and are planning restoration.
According to church authorities, the stela-over one metre tall and containing holy water-was forcibly knocked over, causing significant structural damage. The attached baptismal font was also damaged when it struck the stone floor. Given the weight and construction of the object, parish representatives stated that the incident could not have occurred accidentally and is therefore considered a deliberate act.
The incident has raised concern among church leaders, recalling recent arson and vandalism at St. Lorenzo Church in nearby Bergisch Gladbach (OIDAC reported). Restoration work is planned for the stela, and the cathedral is implementing additional security measures to protect its sacred objects.
Souce :Katholisch.de