Two churches targeted in sacrilegious thefts
On the night of 12 to 13 August 2026, the Sanctuary of Madonna in Pratis in Rudiano was burgled and desecrated, with consecrated hosts and two chalices stolen. Another parish, Madonna della Rotonda in Pumenengo was also targeted that same night. The local community announced support for the Christian community and the parish priest called for a Mass of reparation following the desecration.
Between the night of 12 and 13 August 2026 at the Sanctuary of Madonna in Pratis in Rudiano, unknown perpetrators broke locks on doors and windows, overturned the sacristy in search of valuables, and forced open the tabernacle taking consecrated hosts and two chalices. This incident constitutes a desecration for Catholics, who consider the Blessed Sacrament the most sacred object in the Church.
At the same time, the nearby Sanctuary of Madonna della Rotonda in Pumenengo was targeted. The parish priest, Don Endrio Bosio, described the incident as an attack on the community: “Whoever committed this sacrilegious act did not violate only the sanctuary, but the heart of our community.”
Don Bosio further explained that the local population is strongly attached to the sanctuary because it represents the town's historical roots. A spokesperson from the local community stated: "We express our full solidarity with the parishes and communities of Rudiano and Pumenengo for the serious and deplorable acts" affecting the places of worship.
With the Vicar General of the Diocese of Brescia, the parish priest announced that a Mass of reparation would be celebrated on 7 September as a time of prayer and reflection for the community.
Sources: bresciatoday, giornaledibrescia
Symbolic Image: pixabay