Tabernacle Forced and Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church Near Reims
A church in Thillois was targeted in a break-in involving the forced opening of the tabernacle and the theft of a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The act is considered a serious profanation in the Catholic context.
The incident occurred between 2 and 3 August 2025 at the Church of Saint-Loup, during the church’s opening hours. Unknown perpetrators used a crowbar to force open the tabernacle located in the chancel and stole a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The damage was discovered on 5 August 2025 by a parish member preparing for a service. The parish priest, Father Claude Soudant, also expressed his shock and sadness over the violation of such a central symbol of the faith.
The theft at the Church of Thillois specifically targeted the tabernacle and the ciborium containing consecrated hosts, considered sacred in the Catholic faith. The perpetrators did not cause any additional damage to the church or its furnishings.
The incident follows other reported cases involving theft or desecration of sacred objects in the region, pointing to a systematic issue.
Source: Lunion
Photo: Commons