Two Tabernacles Forced and Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Thillois
Between 2 and 3 August 2025, unknown perpetrators forced open two tabernacles at a church in Thillois and stole a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The deliberate targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context.
The incident occurred between 2 and 3 August 2025 during opening hours at the Church of Saint-Loup, a listed historic church. Unknown perpetrators used a crowbar to force open two tabernacles inside the building.
A ciborium containing consecrated hosts was stolen from one of the tabernacles and had not been recovered at the time of reporting. The damage and theft were discovered on 4 August 2025 by a parishioner.
The deliberate targeting of the tabernacles and the theft of consecrated hosts—central to Catholic belief—constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context. The incident indicates elements beyond financial motivation, as the primary target was a sacred object rather than valuables.
A joint complaint was filed by the parish and the local municipality with the gendarmerie in Reims, which opened an investigation.
In response to the incident, the diocese of Reims announced a Mass of reparation to be held at the church by the Auxiliary Bishop, reflecting the religious significance attributed to the violation.
Source: Aleteia
Photo: Wikimedia. By G.Garitan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
