Church in Òdena Bricked Up After Vandalism and Burnt Bible Page
A group of youths broke into the Church of the Verge de la Pau in Òdena, vandalising the interior, damaging the altar, burning a page of the Bible and stealing sound equipment and metal objects. Following the attack, authorities decided to brick up the church.
A serious act of vandalism targeted the Church of the Verge de la Pau in Òdena, near Barcelona, after a group of around seven or eight youths allegedly forced entry into the parish complex on the evening of 19 May 2026. Inside, the church was left ransacked, with damaged furniture, graffiti, broken objects and visible destruction around the altar area. According to the parish priest, one page of the Bible was also set on fire during the incident.
The intruders reportedly stole sound equipment and metal objects believed to have been taken for resale. Witnesses initially feared the group was attempting to occupy the building illegally, prompting repeated police interventions throughout the evening. Mossos d’Esquadra identified several youths connected to the incident, although no arrests or formal charges had been announced at the time of reporting.
The attack caused strong indignation among residents and parishioners, particularly because the response ultimately focused on sealing the church rather than immediately prosecuting those responsible. To prevent further break-ins or acts of desecration, authorities decided to brick up the church, the rectory and the lower parish premises.
Source: elcaso.elnacional, gaceta.es
Photo: Wikidata