Man Threatens Priest and Vandalises Altar in Attack During Mass
During a Mass in Mieścisko in Wielkopolska, a 47‑year‑old man stormed the altar, insulted the priest, destroyed a cross and scattered liturgical vessels. Police authorities opened an investigation against the man who was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the attack. He is being charged with malicious interference with religious worship.
On 12 September in the parish church in Mieścisko, Wielkopolska, a 47‑year‑old man, reportedly intoxicated and half-naked, entered the sanctuary during Mass, disrupted the liturgy, insulted the priest, and issued threats of physical violence. He damaged the altar cross and scattered liturgical vessels. The priest was reportedly helpless for several minutes before the vicar and members of the congregation intervened to restrain the man.
Police detained the suspect at the scene, and legal proceedings were initiated, including charges for malicious interference with religious worship, destruction of property, and issuing threats. In response, Archbishop Wojciech Polak stated in a letter to the parish: “A disrupted liturgy, a broken cross, a desecrated altar — these are realities that should never take place.” He called for an expiatory service on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and encouraged prayers for justice as well as for the perpetrator.
Source: Aleteia
Image: Parish Website